Bryce Harper’s revelation about nearly choosing the Chicago Cubs in free agency has resurfaced as Kyle Tucker’s arrival at Wrigley Field sparks déjà vu. Harper told The Athletic this weekend that the Cubs were his “No. 1 team” during his 2019 free agency but never engaged in talks, leaving fans to wonder how different the last six years might have been
Now, Tucker-acquired from Houston in a high-stakes December trade-faces similar questions about his future. The Cubs sit atop the NL Central, fueled by Tucker’s MVP-caliber play, but his looming free agency could trigger another franchise crossroads. Harper’s 13-year, $330M Phillies deal set a benchmark; Tucker, 2, may command $400M+ this winter
“He’s one of my favorites in the league,” Harper said of Tucker during the Cubs-Phillies series. “A player you want in high-pressure situations” The parallels are unavoidable: Chicago once passed on a generational lefty slugger and now must decide whether to pay another.
As Tucker thrives under Wrigley’s ivy-covered walls, the shadow of Harper’s near-miss lingers-a reminder that even midseason success can’t quiet the “what-ifs” of baseball’s financial realities.
