Cubs could sign 49 home run slugger if Kyle Tucker departs, per insider
If the Chicago Cubs lose Kyle Tucker, there's a strong argument to be made that they need to go out and replace his bat with a left-handed hitter.
Of course, the Cubs could look at some of their young prospects as potential avenues to replace Tucker, but the reality of the situation is that no prospect in the Cubs system, barring something drastic changing, will be anything as close to Tucker.
Not many hitters on the free agency market will be, either, outside of Kyle Schwarber. There's an argument to be made that Schwarber has been one of the top five hitters in Major League Baseball this season, if not better than Tucker.
Cubs eye potential Kyle Tucker replacement
And according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Cubs will be one of the teams interested in him.
He didn't specify whether the Cubs would only be interested in him if Tucker walks, but it's positive to hear that Chicago will have some level of interest in the All-Star.
“The Phillies want to keep their MVP candidate. Phillies, Cubs, Red Sox," Heyman wrote.
Tucker will be more expensive than Schwarber, whether it's due to the number of years he lands or AAV. However, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN, Schwarber will still be looking at a $30 million per year contract.
“Because of all he brings, Schwarber is going to get paid. Like, paid paid. Teams will scoff because of the age, the strikeouts, the positional inflexibility. But Schwarber's total package will ultimately push some of them off such concerns and trigger a bidding war. If he wants, he can get at least four years. The salary, at that term, should be at least $30 million a year,” Passan wrote.
“I've Been My Own Worst Enemy”: Christian McCaffrey Gives Update On Calf Injury Ahead Of 49ers Vs. Seahawks Game
Christian McCaffrey has been at a place with sudden midweek injury reports, nervous chatter among San Francisco 49ers fans, and questions about whether he will be available for a big game. This time again, the All-Pro running back’s calf issue forced him out of Thursday’s practice, just three days before the 49ers’ Week 1 showdown with the Seattle Seahawks. However, speaking in Santa Clara on Friday, he insisted the situation wasn’t nearly as concerning as the headlines made it seem.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has officially listed the 29-year-old as questionable for Sunday. While McCaffrey declined to share details about what caused him to shut things down, he implied that the decision was more of a precautionary measure.
“I feel great about my physical condition,” McCaffrey told reporters. “Nothing serious, I can tell you that. Unfortunately, when you have an injury history like I have, sometimes when you don’t practice, things get blown out of proportion.”
He also explained his willingness to stay back from practice, claiming that it was the right thing to do for him.
“I’ve been there before and I’ve been my own worst enemy in situations like that and I was proud of myself for not doing that again. I went through a whole training camp and I feel great about where I’m at,” added McCaffrey.
The 49ers know just how much his presence matters. McCaffrey missed much of the 2024 season with bilateral Achilles tendinitis and a PCL issue, and San Francisco’s offense sputtered without its dynamic centerpiece. His ability to stay on the field could be the deciding factor in whether the 49ers start strong in one of the league’s toughest road environments at Lumen Field.
As of now, Christian McCaffrey feels confident that he’ll be ready to go. The official word will come when the inactives are released on Sunday.
49ers HC Kyle Shanahan Has Plan B Against Christian McCaffrey’s Injury
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Thursday that Christian McCaffrey did not participate in practice, with questions swirling about his availability for Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks. While Shanahan stopped short of offering details on the injury, the star running back himself insisted it was “nothing serious” and praised his own restraint in not pushing through the session.
The concern comes just a year after McCaffrey missed most of the 2024 season with Achilles tendinitis and a torn PCL. This summer, he enjoyed a strong camp with a carefully managed workload, which made Thursday’s absence all the more surprising.
If McCaffrey cannot suit up Sunday, the 49ers will turn to newly acquired Brian Robinson Jr. to handle the starting role. Robinson, traded from the Washington Commanders on August 22, was immediately named the No. 2 back behind McCaffrey. Though he’s had limited time in the system, Shanahan expressed confidence in the veteran’s ability to step in.
“Brian knows the game plan,” Shanahan said. “You don’t have to know the entire offense. You need to know what the plan is this week. He’s repped it, so if that’s the situation, we’re good to go with it. He’s ready for it, and I know Isaac [Guerendo] will be also.”
Behind Robinson, Shanahan has options in Isaac Guerendo and rookie Jordan James, though James is doubtful as he recovers from a broken finger. If both McCaffrey and James are sidelined, the Niners could elevate Sincere McCormick from the practice squad to bolster depth.
Robinson, who has experience as an NFL starter, said he prepares every week as if he’ll be the one taking the first snap, per ESPN.
“I’ve been a starter in this league, so I know what it takes to prepare like one,” Robinson explained. “That doesn’t change depending on who else is here. I’ve got to be ready to go at any moment.”
Whether Christian McCaffrey is cleared in time for Seattle or Robinson leads the backfield, Kyle Shanahan made clear the 49ers feel prepared either way.
