Mouthwatering proposal to rebuild Phillies' outfield hinges on bold RF signing

With the Philadelphia Phillies looking to make significant changes this offseason, MLB insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently suggestedthat they should make a bold move and sign free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker (subscription required).

Bowden notes that he would revamp the entire Phillies outfield this offseason and Tucker represents the best player they should pursue to that end.

Tucker signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs last offseason after the Houston Astros traded him to the Windy City. The 28-year-old would be another expensive player for Philadelphia to sign, but Bowden believes he is worth it.

If Phillies want to make bold changes to their outfield, signing Kyle Tucker is a good start

The fifth overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft has excellent offensive and defensive skills, and Tucker's ability on the base paths is solid as well. Bowden writes that the Tampa, Florida, native would give the Phillies the top talent they've consistently lacked in the outfield over the last few seasons.

The main concern with Tucker is injuries. This year, the 28-year-old did not have as strong a season as anticipated coming off an injury-plagued 2024. He missed three months last year due to a right shin fracture.

This past season ended up being another challenging year for him with injuries. Tucker dealt with a hairline fracture in his right hand that went undiagnosed after it occurred in June. The right fielder's offense suffered as he played through the injury during the summer. He also suffered a left calf strain in September and missed most of the month.

Tucker enters the offseason as one of the top free agents on the market, even though he is coming off a year that was not as strong as 2021-23 with the Astros. The outfielder posted 92, 107, and 112 RBIs in those three seasons with Houston. In eight MLB seasons, he has an excellent .865 OPS.

According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the majority of National League executives the writer spoke with had a favorable view of Tucker.

"He’s still the top free agent this year," one NL executive said, per Feinsand. "If he’s healthy, he’s one of the best players in the game, and he’s in his prime. He’s going to get paid."

Feinsand notes that Tucker's hard-hit rate was 40.4 percent in 2025, which was the lowest of his career. His numbers against fastballs were lower this year compared to his previous two seasons. While a reduction in his offensive numbers may have been due to playing through injuries, his 143 OPS+ was the third-highest of his career.

Feinsand suggested a 10-year, $400 million deal as an estimated offer for Tucker.

"I would guess more years and a lower AAV, but it should be in that type of ballpark," an NL executive said, per Feinsand. "He’s young, hits righties and lefties, and he’s a good defender. There’s an easy story to why he was a bit off in the second half, but nothing that should be a long-term concern."

During his recent year-end press conference, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said that they aren't going to have a $400 million payroll. If they want to re-sign Kyle Schwarber and add Tucker, it could spell the end of free agent J.T. Realmuto's time in Philadelphia.

To rebuild the entire outfield, Dombrowski will also need to get creative trading multiple players or buying out contracts they are looking to move on from. They also have top prospect Justin Crawford waiting to grab an outfield role and could bring back Harrison Bader.

Feinsand listed the Phillies as a potential fit for Tucker along with the Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees. He notes Tucker's younger age (29 on Opening Day) compared to other key Phillies players under contract as a reason the team would benefit from his presence.

Tucker represents a key free agent piece that Philadelphia's front office should consider signing this winter. Will he be expensive? Yes. But Middleton wants the team to remain competitive for several more years.

The Phillies need to be aggressive this winter like other big-market teams. Signing Tucker would be a good indication that they mean business and are not reluctant to make roster changes after a few consecutive disappointing postseasons.