Cubs looking smart after not paying Kyle Tucker $240 million for 4 years

TL;DR

The Chicago Cubs opted not to pursue Kyle Tucker during free agency, allowing the Dodgers and Blue Jays to compete for his contract. Tucker's performance with the Dodgers has not met expectations, suggesting the Cubs made a wise decision.

Key points

Cubs traded for Kyle Tucker a year prior to free agency
Cubs did not pursue Tucker when he hit free agency
Tucker signed a $240 million deal with the Dodgers
Tucker's performance has not met expectations with the Dodgers

Chicago CubsKyle TuckerLos Angeles DodgersToronto Blue Jays

Cubs looking smart after not paying Kyle Tucker $240 million for 4 years originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Chicago Cubs made a decision that, at first, seemed surprising.

They had just traded for Kyle Tucker a year earlier, but when he hit free agency in the offseason, they didn't really pursue him. They let teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays battle for his next contract.

The Cubs may have known what was coming, or they may have gotten lucky.

But so far, Tucker's deal with the Dodgers hasn't worked out.

He signed an absurd four-year, $240 million contract -- that's $60 million a season, although some is deferred.

And so far, Tucker has been a below league average hitter. His OPS+ is just 96, which means he's been 4% worse than the league average bat.

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His traditional stats include a .239 average with five doubles and three homers in 29 games. His OPS is .688.

Tucker has also not shown his early-career defensive prowess, so his bat is going to have to get going for him to start to return value on that contract.

There was at least a bit of reason to wonder about regression after Tucker struggled at the tail end of last season, but that was mostly attributed to a mid-season injury.

Now, it appears Tucker is just off to a slow start.

Q&A

Why did the Chicago Cubs not pursue Kyle Tucker in free agency?

The Cubs chose not to pursue Kyle Tucker after trading for him the previous year, possibly anticipating issues with his performance.

What contract did Kyle Tucker sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers?

Kyle Tucker signed a four-year contract worth $240 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

How has Kyle Tucker performed since joining the Dodgers?

Kyle Tucker's performance with the Dodgers has not worked out as expected, raising questions about the Cubs' decision to let him go.