The prediction that Kyle Tucker could sign with the Philadelphia Phillies is a reminder that free agency is wide open. Steve Adams, Anthony Franco, Darragh McDonald and Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors recently ranked the top 50 free agents available this offseason, including contract predictions and which organizations each player will sign with.
McDonald predicts the Phillies will sign Tucker to a monumental 11-year, $400 million deal. Agreeing to a contract with the best position player available would be further proof that Phillies managing partner John Middleton and president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski are dedicated to keeping the organization in contention for a World Series championship.
Phillies' predicted signing of Kyle Tucker proves that anything can happen in free agency
According to MLB Trade Rumors, following Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s agreement to a huge 14-year, $500 million deal in April, Tucker became the top hitter available in free agency this winter. The Phillies are more favored to re-sign free agents Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto this winter than to sign Tucker.
There were predictions before the start of the season that Tucker could earn a contract for up to $500 million this offseason, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. However, he did not have an ideal year with free agency on the horizon. He dealt with injuries for a second consecutive season, which affected his statistics. His .841 OPS and 4.6 bWAR, while still very good, were his lowest since 2022 and 2020.
Tucker won his second career Silver Slugger Award after finishing 2025 with 22 home runs, 73 RBIs and 25 doubles in 500 at-bats. He compiled 25 stolen bases and finished with a career-high 87 walks in 136 games. Before he injured his right hand at the beginning of June, he had 12 home runs, 39 RBIs and a slash line of .283/.391/.520 with a .911 OPS in 58 contests.
Kyle Tucker makes it 5-0 Cubbies 💪 pic.twitter.com/wSnw2lhz2F
— MLB (@MLB) October 10, 2025
The right fielder remains a complete player with his skills as a hitter, fielder and base runner. Tucker had an exceptional year with the Houston Astros in 2023, with career bests of 112 RBIs, 30 stolen bases and 37 doubles in 157 contests.
Signing him would undoubtedly make the Phillies' outfield better, as change appears to be on the horizon. Nick Castellanos is on track to be traded or released. Harrison Bader declined his $10 million mutual option, making him a free agent. And after signing a one-year deal last winter, free agent Max Kepler is not expected to return next year.
Tucker would be a reliable hitter near the top or near the middle of the Phillies lineup, depending on where manager Rob Thomson would put him whether Schwarber is re-signed or not. Having Tucker hit before or after Bryce Harper in their batting order, especially if Schwarber re-signs, is exciting for fans to contemplate.
Clubs such as National League West rivals Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants are expected to compete for Tucker, and both clubs are more favored than the Phillies to sign the 28-year-old.
Philadelphia isn't considered an obvious fit for Tucker, considering that they are favorites to re-sign Schwarber and Realmuto, which will cost a considerable amount of money. Still, the Phillies make sense as a potential suitor, considering their need to improve their outfield with a bona fide full-time player and Middleton's commitment to keep the organization a contender for several years.