Bryce Harper targets recruiting efforts on soon-to-be free agent Kyle Tucker

Hello, Kyle Tucker – Bryce Harper’s been recruiting free agents since the minute he signed that 13-year, $330 million contract in Philadelphia. That handshake with John Middleton came with an unofficial job title as the Director of Roster Management.

He’s campaigned for J.T. Realmuto. He’s pitched for Trea Turner. He’s gushed about Shohei Ohtani. And now, Harper might be setting the stage for another blockbuster addition: Kyle Tucker.

In a recent article by Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, Harper reflected on how close he once was to signing with the Cubs, before pivoting to praise the guy the Cubs did land this offseason — Kyle Tucker, acquired in a bombshell trade with Houston.

“He’s one of my favorites in the league. He’s a big-moment player, a red-light kind of player. It’s a lot of fun to watch the way he does it. He’s very impressive… He’s got a really good opportunity next year to make some pretty good coin.”

Bryce Harper wants Kyle Tucker to get paid. Possibly by the Phillies.

It was no secret that the Phillies had internal discussions about Kyle Tucker last winter. Houston wanted MLB-ready corner infielders and starting pitching. Rumors swirled around Alec Bohm, Ranger Suarez, and some top prospects like Aidan Miller and Andrew Painter — but Dave Dombrowski ultimately held firm.

Now, it might only take money. A lot of it.

Kyle Tucker is entering free agency at the perfect time, playing like a man about to rob the sport blind. Through April, he’s hitting .289 with a .976 OPS, 7 homers, 25 RBIs, and 8 steals — numbers that put him right in the middle of MVP chatter. He’s a 28-year-old five-tool monster with a World Series ring, three All-Star nods, a Gold Glove, a Silver Slugger, and a career 140 OPS+. Projections say he might land a $450-500 million deal.

Harper knows what it’s like to command a historic contract in free agency. He also knows how to make a city fall in love with a star player. It’s not hard to imagine the two lefty sluggers anchoring the Phillies lineup together for the back half of the decade, with Turner and Bryce’s protégé Justin Crawford mixed in.

With J.T. Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber, and Ranger Suarez all hitting free agency after 2025, and Nick Castellanos only signed through 2026, the Phillies are going to have outfield holes to fill — and possibly a lot of money to reallocate.

So yes, Kyle Tucker is a Cub right now. But when Harper starts talking like this in April… it’s hard not to read between the lines. The recruiting might already be underway. Stay tuned.

Go get him, Bryce.

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