From the moment this offseason began, it was pretty clear: Kyle Tucker wasn’t going to be suiting up in a Cubs uniform in 2026. The writing was on the wall.

Tucker’s price tag was always going to be massive-well beyond anything the Cubs have ever shelled out-and even when his market didn’t explode right away, there was never a real sense he was a fit. Compared to infielders like Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette, Tucker always felt like more of a long shot.

Then came Saturday night. The Cubs shocked just about everyone by locking down Bregman with a five-year, $175 million deal.

That move seemed to close the door on any lingering Tucker buzz. Chicago had landed its big bat.

The front office and fan base finally had their marquee name, and attention shifted elsewhere.

But here’s the thing: Tucker’s free agency isn’t following a traditional script. And just maybe, the Cubs aren’t entirely out of the picture.

As the market continues to evolve, Tucker is looking more and more like a candidate for a short-term, high-dollar deal with opt-outs-a bridge contract that keeps his long-term earning potential alive while still cashing in big right now. According to league sources, the Mets have already stepped up with exactly that kind of offer.

One report has Steve Cohen’s club dangling a deal worth $50 million per year. That’s a major swing from a team that’s had a sluggish start to the offseason.

Not only does that offer show that the Mets are serious, but it also cracks open the door for Tucker to hit free agency again as early as 2027. He’ll turn 29 this Saturday, which means he’d still be in his prime when he re-enters the market-young enough to command a massive, potentially record-setting deal if he puts up the kind of numbers he’s capable of.

And that’s where things start to get interesting for the Cubs.

If Tucker does go the short-term route now, Chicago could be in a prime position to pounce next winter. They’ve got serious payroll flexibility coming their way, even with Bregman’s contract on the books.

Barring any new extensions, the Cubs’ luxury tax payroll is projected to be under $100 million in 2027. That’s a lot of breathing room for a team that’s shown it’s willing to spend when the fit is right.

They’ll also have some real holes to fill in the outfield. Both Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ are set to hit free agency after the 2026 season.

And with Owen Caissie now in Miami as part of the Edward Cabrera trade, that leaves Kevin Alcántara as the lone top-tier outfield prospect in the pipeline. The depth just isn’t there right now.

That’s not a crisis yet, but it does make a potential Tucker addition all the more intriguing.

Of course, there are a couple of big variables in play.

First, the Toronto Blue Jays. They’ve been linked to Tucker throughout the offseason and are reportedly one of the frontrunners if he decides to sign a long-term deal.

After coming up just short in Game 7 of the World Series, they’re motivated. Adding Tucker’s career 138 wRC+ to a lineup that may be without Bichette could be exactly the kind of jolt they’re looking for.

Second, there’s the looming collective bargaining agreement. A new CBA is on the horizon, and with it comes uncertainty.

Talks could reshape the financial structure of the league-possibly even introducing a salary cap. That would have major implications for big-spending teams like the Dodgers and Mets.

If the financial landscape shifts, and teams currently pushing the tax limits are forced to pull back, a club like the Cubs-with their clean books and large market-could suddenly become one of the most aggressive players in free agency.

Even if the CBA doesn’t bring sweeping changes, the Cubs will be in a strong position simply because of how much financial flexibility they’ll have. And if Tucker hits the open market again in 2027, he could be looking for a deal north of $400 million. That kind of number might seem steep, but if he puts up elite production and the market lacks other superstar bats, it’s not out of the question.

Now, let’s be clear: a Tucker-Cubs reunion still feels like a long shot. Bregman’s deal was a big step for the Cubs, but it didn’t shatter any franchise spending records.

Tucker’s next contract very well could. That’s a different kind of commitment-one the Cubs haven’t made before.

But if there was ever a time for Chicago to make that leap, it might be next offseason. The money will be there.

The roster needs will be there. And if Tucker’s back on the market, the opportunity might be too good to pass up.

Bottom line: the Cubs made a statement with Bregman. If the right dominoes fall, Kyle Tucker could be the next one.