The Chicago Cubs pulled off a stellar deal last off-season—the one for Kyle Tucker. The Houston Astros star, moving into the Cubs, screamed, “franchise-defining.” It was supposed to change the trajectory of things. The front office knew that the price tag would be heavy down the road. But the bet was simple—get elite talent and take the risk. But fast forward to September, and that deal now feels like a shaky mess.

This is because Tucker has been far from being a cornerstone for Chicago. Though his pending free agency is approaching, he is not putting out those numbers. Moreover, he has battled calf tightness, hasn’t played since September 2, and his second-half numbers are not good. He has a .242 average with five homers and 17 RBIs since the All-Star break.

So it is a respectable number, but not exactly $400 million, man, right? But if you think that when he hits the free-agent market, teams won’t be lined up for him, you are so wrong.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, in fact, says that the LA Dodgers could come forward and grab him, “Despite Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker’s struggles since the All-Star break, hitting .242 with only five homers and 17 RBI, rival executives still believe he’ll be the highest-paid player in free agency. Their prediction is where he’ll land? The Dodgers, who badly could use outfield help.

And this is the nightmare situation for Chicago. Because if you are a Cubs fan, the thought of Tucker bolting for Hollywood is brutal to think about. But it is for sure believable. Because, to be honest, the Dodgers have that financial muscle to pull this off. Plus, it’s not only about the dollars but also their playoff capabilities and chances to win that entice people. Didn’t we all see Roki Sasaki head to LA regardless? Because money was no biggie for his contract, right?

However, even then, the cubs are not out of the fight. Jed Hoyer, for sure, is someone who plays things safe, but according to Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly, this time they might be acting like heavyweights or lose Tucker. Of course, the amount on the check has to be a huge figure, and Jeff Passan says it’s $400 million. Either way, right now, it remains to be seen what turn this deal takes.

Could Brian Cashman make Kyle Tucker splash?

Now the Cubs don’t need to watch over just LA, but also New York. Because never say never when it comes to Brian Cashman and the Yankees, as when no one expects it, they come in and scoop the players they need. And this time, there is a buzz going on that they might just be eyeing Kyle Tucker.

Several insiders think the Yanks could be in the mix. MLB Trade Rumors’ Tim Dierkes noted that, given Trent Grisham and Cody Bellinger are both headed to free agency, Tucker for the Yanks makes a lot of sense. “There’s enough payroll space to make it work as well.” Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly also suggested that the Yankees may want to keep Bellinger, but Tucker might be the bigger play they opt for. But there is a catch.

Tucker is not going to come cheap. Jeff Passan compared him to Mookie Betts not only for Tucker’s play but also for his durability and his production. Now, Betts had signed a 12-year, $365 million deal at the age of 28. Tucker, also 28, could ask for more. So yes, Passan mentioned $400, but that’s only because his performance has mellowed; otherwise, he was in the $600 million ask mark. And that is a massive check, even by New York Yankees standards. But not just the Dodgers or Yankees; even the Red Sox and Giants could be in the pipeline for him. The Yankees sure do love stars—but it remains to be seen if they go all in.