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Cubs could make Kyle Tucker’s price tag a nightmare for rivals

Cubs could be the wild card in Kyle Tucker’s future payday
ByJordan Campbell|
Aug 24, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker (30) walks against the Los Angeles Angels during the fifth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
Aug 24, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker (30) walks against the Los Angeles Angels during the fifth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images | Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Kyle Tucker's injury-riddled second half likely will have a major impact on his free agency. During the first half of the season, when Tucker was flirting with being a National League MVP candidate, arguments were being made that the All-Star outfielder could be in line for a $600MM contract. The contract projections have taken a nosedive over the last several months, and the Cubs could also throw a wrench into Tucker's plans.

Reporting from Joel Sherman of the New York Post over the weekend suggests that the 2025-2026 qualifying offer will be roughly $22MM. Sherman believes the official number will be just under $22MM, matching the trend with his predictions over the last two years.

Lost in the discussion of Tucker's free agency is that this is the first time he has hit the open market. In other words, the 28-year-old outfielder is eligible to receive the qualifying offer from the Cubs this season. While teams like the New York Yankees have to think about extending a qualifying offer to a player like Trent Grishman, it feels like a no-brainer that the Cubs will extend the qualifying offer to Tucker.

Cubs could make Kyle Tucker’s market a nightmare for rivals

Given the track record Tucker had with the Astros before this season and the production he had in the first half this season, he likely is still in line for a lucrative long-term deal this offseason. While some teams shy away from a player with a qualifying offer attached, Tucker feels like one of those exceptions that is in every free-agent class. That would be the reason why Tucker almost certainly will turn down the qualifying offer from the Cubs, and if he signs elsewhere, his new team will have to fork over draft compensation.

In many ways, Tucker's free agency will be a fascinating follow. Given the injuries that have plagued the end of his 2025 season, but also were present at the end of his 2024 season, there could be some concern from teams in giving him a contract that extends throughout the next decade. Beyond that, the work stoppage looming after the 2026 season could see some teams shying away from a long-term commitment. Throw in the likely qualifying offer, and Tucker will be a case study for Major League Baseball this winter.

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