Cubs rumors: MLB consensus predicts Kyle Tucker bolting 1 season after blockbuster trade

The Chicago Cubs made one of the boldest moves of the past offseason, landing All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in a blockbuster deal with the Houston Astros. In exchange, the Cubs gave up infielder Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski, and top prospect Cam Smith. Smith ranks as MLB Pipeline’s No. 73 overall talent. The Cubs made the trade to push Chicago over the hump in the National League. However, the latest Cubs rumors now suggest Kyle Tucker may not stay in Chicago for long.

After producing a strong season for the Cubs, Kyle Tucker lived up to the hype. He made his fourth straight All-Star team, hitting 22 home runs and driving in 73 RBIs. He also posted an impressive .841 OPS across 136 games. Tucker played a key role in leading the team to the postseason. The Cubs defeated the Padres in the NL Wild Card Series but fell to the rival Brewers in a tight five-game NLDS. Tucker ended the playoffs with a .259/.375/.370 line, one home run, and one RBI in eight games.

One Year and Done? Kyle Tucker’s Cubs Fate Looms

Even with his steady play and leadership, many around the league believe Tucker’s time in Chicago may soon end. Several rumors surrounding the Cubs claim that MLB executives expect Kyle Tucker to test free agency. They believe he will seek a deal that goes beyond what the Cubs can afford. Analysts project Tucker to become one of the most sought-after free agents this winter. Big-market teams plan to line up and spend big to land him.

For the Cubs, it’s a difficult situation. They parted with premium talent for what now looks like a one-year rental. While the front office knew the risks, there was optimism that success in Chicago might convince Tucker to stay. However, with his price tag expected to skyrocket, the odds are slim.

If Tucker does move on, his lone season will still be remembered for helping the Cubs reclaim their place among contenders. But as free agency looms, one question echoes louder than ever: was one year of Kyle Tucker worth the price?

Detroit Lions Get Uplifting News Ahead of Week 9

The Detroit Lions already have reason to celebrate, a little bit, heading into their Week 9 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Detroit Lions are on a much-deserved bye week, and they’d be wise to use the time to rest and reflect on their promising start to the season. The week off will also give the team’s injured secondary time to rejuvenate, even though the Lions were still able to pull off a strong and definitive win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, October 19, 24-9, despite the injured secondary.

Even though the Lions have a week off, it’s not too early to start thinking about their next opponent, the Minnesota Vikings. It’s been an up-and-down season for the Viks, and the team is heading into their Week 8 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers with a 3-3 record. One of the biggest issues for the Vikings this season has been their quarterback position. After drafting Michigan product J.J. McCarthy in the 2024 NFL draft, McCarthy had to sit out the entire 2024-25 season due to injury. He returned this season but was injured again relatively quickly, so the team has been relying on Carson Wentz.

So, what are the chances McCarthy will be healthy enough to play against the Lions? The answer to that question will help determine the result of that game.

J.J. McCarthy’s Status Going Into Detroit Lions Game

According to the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell commented on Tuesday, October 21, that McCarthy, who’s dealing with an ankle injury, was put through an on-field workout but it’s there yet. So, he’s not expected to play in the team’s Thursday, October 23, game against the Los Angeles Chargers for Week 8.

But, O’Connell commented that if the Vikings were playing on Sunday instead of Thursday, McCarthy may be healthy enough to play, implying that he would be ready to go for the Week 9 game against the Detroit Lions.

So, is it good or bad news that McCarthy might be available to take on the Lions? Colby Colwell of Detroit Jock City thinks it’s good news. According to the NFL expert and analyst, it’s not just good news, it’s “great news,” based on McCarthy’s early showing on the field.

“For starters, McCarthy has two TDs, three interceptions, and a dismal 58.5% completion rate through two NFL appearances, so that has to give the Lions some confidence already,” he notes in the Wednesday, October 22 piece. “Detroit was missing four starters in the defensive backfield on Monday night and still held the Buccaneers offense to 58 total yards in the first half, and got some key contributions from players like cornerback Arthur Maulet, who had a breakout performance in the win with an interception.”

Carson Wentz vs. J.J. McCarthy to Take on the Detroit Lions

Wentz hasn’t had the most stellar season, though. According to the statistics from ESPN and Pro Football Reference, he’s clocked five touchdown and four interceptions with a completion percentage of 66.9% and passing yards of 1,072.

So, it’s a mixed bag when it comes to which quarterback will be better to take on the Lions. The most important matter, really, is that the Lions’ defense and secondary gets healthier, and then they’ll be unstoppable no matter who they’re up against.

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