The Chicago Cubs made a big splash this offseason, acquiring three-time All-Star Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros.
The Cubs took a calculated risk, as Tucker will become a free agent after the season. With Juan Soto’s recent record-breaking $765 million contract with the New York Mets setting the market, Tucker is positioned for a significant payday.
The team’s recent negotiations with former Astros third baseman Alex Bregman may provide insight into Tucker’s future in Chicago. The Cubs offered Bregman a four-year, $115 million contract before he signed with the Boston Red Sox. They were unable to match competing offers, including the Red Sox’s three-year, $120 million deal, the Detroit Tigers’ six-year, $171 million proposal, and the Astros’ six-year, $156 million retention bid.
With the Cubs unwilling to go the extra mile to get Bregman, an MLB insider warns that “does not bode well for their chances” of signing Tucker long term.
Related: How close were Chicago Cubs in landing Alex Bregman before Boston Red Sox deal?
MLB insider: ‘Highly unlikely’ Chicago Cubs will go all out in signing Kyle Tucker
The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney reports it’s “highly unlikely that the Cubs will go all-out to try to sign Tucker to a long-term extension.” The team is already approaching ownership’s 2025 budget ceiling and trails significantly behind the spending of teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and Mets.
According to FanGraphs, the Cubs’ estimated 2025 luxury tax payroll sits at $209 million, well below the first tax threshold of $241 million.
Tucker remains focused on the present, addressing reporters at the start of Spring Training.
“You never know how the future’s going to play out,” he told The Athletic. “You just try to take it one day at a time. Whatever happens later, happens. But right now, I’m a Chicago Cub. I’m excited to be here. I’m trying to win games for the Cubbies.”
During his seven seasons in Houston, Tucker established himself as one of baseball’s premier outfielders, hitting 125 home runs with an .870 OPS and 139 OPS+ while accumulating 23.0 bWAR. He earned three top-20 American League MVP finishes, including fifth place in 2023, and won a World Series in 2022.
