Overview

• USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports that multiple rival executives expect Kyle Tucker to choose the Dodgers in free agency and to be the highest-paid player in this winter’s class.
• The Dodgers are cited as having a clear outfield need and the payroll flexibility, including use of deferred money, to pursue a marquee deal.
• Spotrac’s model projects Tucker for a 12-year, $498 million contract, far beyond any deal the Cubs have previously awarded.
• Tucker has 22 home runs, 73 RBIs and an .854 OPS over 133 games, though he is hitting .242 with five homers and 17 RBIs since the All-Star break.
• Tucker has not played since Sept. 2 because of calf tightness, and manager Craig Counsell said an injured list stint is not expected as the Cubs sit 6.5 games behind the Brewers but lead the NL Wild Card race.