If there’s one thing baseball fans and front offices know by now, it’s that the MLB trade market never goes according to plan. Every summer, teams map out their dream moves, only to have the landscape shift in a heartbeat-sometimes with a single insider report. This year, that seismic shift has a name: Kyle Tucker. But given how things are panning out in Windy City, it wouldn’t be long from now when Tucker will be off the table. This means the outfield market will soon go from “limited” to “desperate” overnight.

For months, the league’s contenders — Dodgers, Yankees, Giants, and beyond — have circled Tucker as the outfield prize who could change a season. And why not? The left fielder is a three-time All-Star, a World Series winner, and a player with a .274 career average and a .870 OPS. He’s the kind of bat and glove that can tilt a pennant race. But as the 2025 season heats up, the Chicago Cubs’ intentions are clear: Tucker isn’t going anywhere, at least not for anything short of a king’s ransom.

Here’s where the story takes a twist. As ESPN’s Buster Olney recently wrote, “Typically, the upcoming free agent class serves as a tool to define most of the players who could be traded before that year’s deadline — and quite simply, in the outfield, the pickings beyond Kyle Tucker are few.” The message is clear: teams hoping for a midseason outfield upgrade are running out of options fast.

But in baseball, scarcity breeds opportunity. And that’s exactly where the Toronto Blue Jays and one of their under-the-radar stars step into the spotlight. Daulton Varsho might not have the superstar sizzle of Tucker, but among MLB executives, his value is about to skyrocket. Why? Because he checks every box that desperate contenders are seeking.

As Olney put it, “The Jays would probably draw a lot of interest for Daulton Varsho, an elite defender who won’t be eligible for free agency until after the 2026 season.” In a market where outfield talent is scarce, Varsho’s combination of defense, versatility, and cost control is suddenly golden. Let’s zoom out. With Tucker off the market and few other impact outfielders available, teams with October dreams are forced to pivot. The Los Angeles Dodgers, for example, have a star-studded lineup but a glaring need in left field. The New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants have both been linked to outfield upgrades. Even the Minnesota Twins, with Byron Buxton, could set a high price if they choose to move him.

But Varsho is the one who fits every contender’s wish list. He’s young, he’s cheap, he’s under control, and he’s proven in big moments. Though his batting average is low, his slugging percentage of .516 helps him achieve an OPS of .766, which shows his capacity to produce strong hits. Varsho is on a team-friendly contract financially, making $8.2 million for the 2025 season and under team control until 2026. His value in the present market is enhanced by this mix of defensive brilliance, attacking promise, and favorable contract conditions.

Interestingly, Olney isn’t the only one to have such an opinion. Another MLB insider also weighed in on the financial aspect of Tucker’s contract. The club that has shown an interest is known for writing big checks. This is getting interesting now!

From wrigley to hollywood? Dodgers target Kyle Tucker

Though the Cubs don’t specifically plan to let go of Tucker, the Dodgers aren’t giving up so easily. Until a contract is officially signed, Los Angeles may not let go of their pursuit of Tucker. The 28-year-old’s steady hitting output and defensive skills make him a desirable target for the Dodgers, who want to strengthen their lineup and keep their NL competitive edge. Adding Tucker might enhance their current roster. Imagine a lineup with players like Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani, creating a potent offensive force.

As expected, the Dodgers aren’t the only ones pursuing Tucker. He’s also been linked to the Yankees and Giants, even after Chicago’s ongoing attempts to retain him. Knowing Tucker’s worth, the Cubs might use this interest to bargain for favorable terms, either through a trade or a contract extension.

Financial factors greatly influence Tucker’s destiny. Recently, MLB analyst Bob Nightengale likened Tucker’s worth to that of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who obtained a 14-year, $500 million agreement with the Jays. He said, “He wanted $300 million from the Astros. After seeing what Vladdy got, you’ve got to say Tucker is as good as Vladdy. I would think he’d be somewhere in that range.”

The Cubs must make a crucial choice about Tucker’s future as the season goes on. Whether they decide to consider trade proposals or negotiate a long-term extension will be important for the team’s direction. Acquiring Tucker would allow the Dodgers and other interested teams to improve their championship goals if they are ready to satisfy the financial and player trade requirements.

As the trade deadline and postseason race heat up, will teams make bold moves for these outfielders? Or risk watching game-changing talent slip through their fingers?