The Chicago Cubs picked up a major asset this offseason when they traded for multi-tool right fielder Kyle Tucker. They also, however, acquired themselves a major dilemma.
They traded away a lot for Tucker– third baseman Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski, and no. 1 draft pick Cam Smith. In return, of course, they got an MVP-level linchpin for the middle of their lineup and a Gold Glove-caliber outfielder.
But, as everyone knows, Tucker is eligible for free agency at the end of this season and will be the most sought-after position player in the entire 2026 free agent class. His expected contract will be huge, with estimates in the $400-$500 million range for about 10 years.
The frugal Cubs ownership has been reluctant to go “all in” when it comes to superstar contracts like this, so the consensus belief is that the 28-year-old Tucker could very well be a one year-and-done Cubs star before moving on to more generous pastures next season.
Chicago Cubs Ownership Willing To “Break The Bank” To Keep Kyle Tucker
There HAS been some positivity in recent days, though, regarding the possibility of the Cubs extending Tucker. MLB insider David Kaplan, for example, has heard that ownership has, at the very least, come to terms with the fact that they will have to crack open the piggy bank to keep him around.
“I’m hearing that the Cubs have wrapped their brain around — now, it doesn’t mean he’ll accept it — have wrapped their brain around ‘Whatever it costs, we’re paying it.’ And they want to keep Tucker,” Kaplan said in a recent episode of the Cubs REKAP Podcast.
As for the money? Kaplan theorized that it could be in the area of $420 million for 10 years.
“I think they will [settle in around the 10-year, $420M range]…I believe wholeheartedly they will get the deal done with him, if he wants to be here. I believe they are convinced they gotta break the bank for him… I think they are [going to meet the price of doing business]…
“Maybe the Cubs have to go to 11 years, maybe he says ‘I’m 28, give me 11…If you’re Kyle Tucker and you really like it here, and I hear he does, why are you not taking that?”
That certainly sounds like a positive, at least compared to the mixed media messages being reported, which alternate between “talks have begun” to “talks have absolutely NOT begun.”
Cubs President Wants Tucker Around
For what it’s worth, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer wants Tucker around and firmly believes that Chicago and Wrigley Field will help the team’s cause in extending him.
“Obviously, we’d love to keep Kyle long term,” Hoyer said in an interview with Chicago’s 670 The Score. “Who wouldn’t want a player like that? I would keep any conversations we’re having internal. It’s hard to negotiate in-season. I’m not sure what’s going to happen with that. If we do have those conversations, we’ll keep them internal. But like I said, he’s really fun to watch.
“I think he has a huge impact on our entire team, on our entire offense. He’s a player that any team would want to have in the lineup.”
“The single best recruiting tool that the Cubs have is last night,” Hoyer added. “It’s this is a really special place to play. It’s an incredible city. It’s an even better city in the summer. Listen, he’s not going to have a shortage of suitors.
“My hope is Wrigley and Chicago become really special to him and he realizes there’s not a better place to play in baseball.”
The Cubs’ Advantage In Signing Tucker
In some ways, having Tucker this one year does give the Cubs a step up on Tucker-bidding rivals. He will have a full year to see the city, know the city, see how his family adapts to the city, and bond with both his teammates as well as the organization. That definitely beats having to start fresh in an entirely new city for, maybe, marginally more money.
But, as noted above, the hope is that the Cubs are serious about not making money an issue in keeping Tucker.
After all, as Kaplan declared, to close out the Tucker segment on the podcast: “Who would you break the bank for, if not this guy?”