**CHICAGO — A Missed Opportunity for Cubs: The Bryce Harper Saga and Kyle Tucker’s Future**
During a Thanksgiving break last year, star outfielder Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies had a chance encounter with Jed Hoyer, the Chicago Cubs’ president of baseball operations, at a Nashville restaurant. While both were enjoying time with their families, the conversation inevitably veered into baseball, igniting memories of what might have been had the Cubs pursued Harper as a free agent back in 2018.
Reflecting on the Harper Encounter
“We were just messing around a little bit,” Harper recalled. “It was a what-could-have-been kind of thing.” The Cubs have yet to shake off the echoes of that missed opportunity, especially now as they aim for a franchise player like Kyle Tucker, who is set to hit free agency after this season. As 2024 approaches, the buzz around Tucker mirrors the excitement that once surrounded Harper’s free agency anticipation.
The Cost of Missed Opportunities
Had the Cubs signed Harper, things could have played out differently. The Joe Maddon era may not have concluded with a striking nine-game losing streak in September 2019. Additionally, Theo Epstein might have reconsidered his exit as team president after the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Harper, the National League MVP in 2021, could have been the linchpin that would have prevented a sell-off at the trade deadline that year.
The opportunity was ripe for the Cubs in 2018, following disappointing playoff losses that led to Epstein’s candid confession: “Our offense broke.” Harper expressed that the Cubs were top of his list during that offseason, saying, “Without a doubt.” However, Chicago never made a move to engage him, allowing Harper to commit to the Phillies with a robust 13-year, $330 million contract, complete with full no-trade protection and no opt-out clauses.
A Shift in Strategy: Acquiring Kyle Tucker
With the eerie specter of the Harper negotiations lingering, Hoyer acknowledged the need for an MVP-caliber player. This rationale formed the basis for his winter acquisition of Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros, representing a bold move by the Cubs as they gave up a significant 14 years of club control over players like Cam Smith, Isaac Paredes, and Hayden Wesneski to land Tucker for what is, at least on paper, a one-year window of opportunity.
The Praise for Tucker
Harper himself has lavished praise on Tucker, labeling him as one of his favorite players in the league. “He’s a big-moment player, a red-light kind of player,” Harper said. Despite the daunting trade history, Tucker’s arrival is seen as a boon for Cubs fans. “He’s got a really good opportunity next year to make some pretty good coin,” Harper noted, alluding to Tucker’s status as one of the most sought-after talents this offseason.
The Financial Landscape of Baseball
Tucker, now 28, presents a unique scenario for the Cubs, who have a full season to recruit him before he hits free agency—considerably older than Harper was at that pivotal moment in 2018. The baseball financial landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years, evidenced by Juan Soto’s staggering 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s 14-year, $500 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. For context, Harper’s average annual value hovers just above $25 million—an amount that mirrors what the Cubs allocated for their Gold Glove shortstop, Dansby Swanson.
Cubs’ Payroll and the Aftermath of 2019
Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts acknowledged the profound implications of failing to pursue Harper. Speaking during a recent CNBC interview, he reflected on the franchise’s trajectory, stating, “We spent a lot of time thinking about what Bryce Harper’s worth as a free agent. That’s one that we kicked around but never executed.” Harper found it surprising that Ricketts brought up their missed chance, clarifying, “I never met with the Cubs as a free agent or spoke with their front office during that offseason.”
Yearning for the Cubs
Harper’s history with the Cubs adds a sentimental layer to the narrative. He expressed interest in playing for Chicago, referencing Jason Heyward’s existing contract as a backdrop that complicated negotiations during a time when the organization was balancing many factors. The Cubs, boasting the highest payroll in the NL in 2019, have since maintained a modest budget. Meanwhile, other teams have capitalized on leveraged investments.
Harper noticed how social media fueled speculation regarding him and Kris Bryant, who was his childhood friend. “I think it’s fun,” Harper said. “For me, it was definitely real, wanting to possibly come here and play.” Despite not signing, Harper expressed contentment with his position in Philadelphia, declaring, “I would never change it for the world.”
Kyle Tucker: The Future Face of the Franchise?
While Tucker’s views on free agency are less publicly elaborated than Harper’s, teammates have spoken highly of his energy and work ethic, indicating he possesses the qualities necessary for a franchise cornerstone. By most projections, Tucker is a frontrunner for the NL MVP this season and is expected to be the No. 1 free agent next winter.
The Fans and the Atmosphere at Wrigley
Looking ahead, the Cubs must leverage their resources to attract premier players like Tucker, ensuring Wrigley Field remains a sought-after destination. Harper himself reminisced about the electrifying atmosphere: “It’s my favorite visiting place to play,” he stated, highlighting the vibrancy of the crowd and the distinctive charm of the iconic ballpark. “A summer day in Wrigley, man, it’s one of the best baseball atmospheres in the league.”