Two words. That’s all it took for Kyle Tucker to deflate any hope Chicago Cubs fans may have had that a winning season would be enough to keep him in Chicago for the long haul.
When the Cubs made the stunning trade for Tucker last December, it was with the realization that Tucker would be a free agent after the 2025 season.
“We made this deal, kind of understanding that this deal had to be worth it for one year of Kyle Tucker,” Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins said.
And so far, it has been a heck of a year.
The Cubs entered the All-Star Break with a 57-39 record, a half-game behind the Los Angeles Dodgers for the best record in the National League. They hold a one-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central, and according to FanGraphs, Chicago has a 93.9 percent chance of reaching the playoffs.
Tucker has played a significant role in the team’s success.
‘Not Really:’ Successful Season Hasn’t Changed Kyle Tucker’s Approach to Pending Free Agency
The 28-year-old has posted a slash line of .280/.384/.499 with 17 home runs, 56 RBIs and 22 stolen bases, and he was named a starter for the All-Star Game. But Tucker’s influence has gone beyond the numbers in the scoresheet, as he has provided a quiet leadership that has allowed his teammates to be the best versions of themselves.
“What’s special about Tuck is he makes everybody else better,” said Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd. “By the way he carries himself, by the way he goes about his business, there’s something about having a guy that has no panic, no worry, at least outwardly. That brings a lot of calm and resolve to a team on a day-in, day-out basis. It’s really special.”
But apparently the season has not been so special that Tucker has changed his outlook at his pending free agent status. When asked if anything about this season with the Cubs has made a difference in how he plans to approach the upcoming offseason, Tucker had a quick answer that was sure to dishearten a hopeful Cubs fan base.
“Not really.”
Meaning that just because Tucker has enjoyed his time at Wrigley Field, he’s not going to sign a contract with the Cubs without first seeing what other options he might have. And that reality has to be a punch to the gut for followers of the team, given the longstanding criticism of team chairman Tom Ricketts and the Ricketts family, owners of the Cubs, for being cheap and prioritizing profits over investing in the team’s roster.
Several Big-Money Teams Expected to Pursue Kyle Tucker This Offseason
Tucker is widely considered to be the top position player available via free agency in the upcoming offseason. A year after Juan Soto signed a record-setting $765 million deal with the New York Mets and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. received a $500 million extension from the Toronto Blue Jays, speculation is that Tucker, who turns 29 in January, could command a contract for $600 million.
Despite the crazy-high numbers, there are certain to be a handful of suitors hoping to land Tucker. Several big-money teams are expected to make a pitch, including the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox, the San Francisco Giants. On Thursday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic threw another “wild and crazy idea” into the mix, suggesting the Tampa Bay Rays, under new ownership, may attempt to make a splash by bringing Tucker, a Tampa native, back home.
So Cubs fans may want to stock up on the antacid. Because it’s likely going to be a stomach-churning winter in the Windy City.
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