Dodgers, Mets Brace for Phillies $400M Power Play With Bryce Harper Moving On From Schwarber

It’s no surprise for all National League rivals that dramatic turnarounds are around the corner in their division. Dodgers and Mets nations alike are keeping their eyes glued to Philadelphia, who are bound to make some aggressive off-season moves. Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber has been on a tear this season. Across 139 games, he has led the national league in both home runs (49) and RBIs (119). Despite his dominance, there’s growing speculation that this could be Schwarber’s last season in Philadelphia. It’s something that will force the Phillies to call dibs for one of the league’s most coveted stars.

Apparently, the Phillies are expected to spoil the Chicago Cubs’ chances of re-signing their star outfielder Kyle Tucker. His roller coaster of a season has whipsawed predictions of his ultimate contract value. The soon-to-be 29-year-old looked like a $350-400 million player coming into this season because of his incredible consistency and all-around production. When healthy, Tucker hits, runs, and fields at an exceptional level.

After a hot start, with a .931 OPS by the end of June, a deal similar to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s $500 million appeared within reach. But then in July, Tucker batted through a tough season, trying to play through a broken finger.

His OPS lowered to .572, and the Cubs consequently gave him three games off. Well, the breather did him some good. Currently, he’s hitting 270 with 22 home runs, 73 RBIs, 89 runs scored, and 25 stolen bases. Coming to the Phillies, they could use a big corner outfield bat. Meanwhile, Tucker fits that criterion perfectly, offering both firepower and consistency.

Moreover, he’d be a great addition to fulfill Bryce Harper’s lifelong dream of securing a World Series title. The San Francisco Giants could also be in the mix with a need to complement Rafael Devers in the middle of the lineup.

Considering Tucker’s latest numbers and overall performance, he’s expected to land a $400 million contract, as also agreed by insiders Jeff Passan and Jon Heyman. And of course, the Cubs will also go to all lengths in re-signing him. However, the Phillies, positioned as a major NL contender, could give them a negotiating edge in landing a star outfielder. The market for Tucker is bound to be aggressive.

What makes Tucker look attractive to clubs like the Phillies and the Giants?

Even including the brutal stretch of Kyle Tucker, the All-Star is in the midst of what is potentially the best season of his career at the plate. The only season when he recorded a higher OPS+ than the 148 he has posted in 2025 was 2024. In only 78 games, he had an OPS+ of 180.

It reflects that Tucker is surely going to get paid well this winter. Be it the Cubs or another franchise, he will certainly be landing on a lucrative contract. Explaining his contract, Jeff Passan shared his take on how things could unfold.

Using the example of Dodgers star Mookie Betts, Passan compared both of them because of how these two make a big impact in every part of the game. Betts signed a 12-year, $365 million contract that started when he was 28 years old.

Now, it’s believed that Tucker will cross that figure. Tucker has been established as the best player in the upcoming free agency market. To regain him, the Cubs will face the Giants and the Phillies.