Kyle Tucker contract projection stuns fans as former MLB GM backs massive figure

The focus for the Chicago Cubs is currently on the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline, but there remains a large focus on the future of Kyle Tucker. The fact that the Cubs traded Cam Smith for one season of Tucker speaks to the urgency the team may have at the deadline as they look to address the needs of their roster. That said, if the Cubs want to keep their contention window open beyond the 2025 season, an extension for Tucker would need to be a part of that.

Jed Hoyer has maintained the obvious part in that, as a player, Tucker is someone the Cubs would like to have for multiple seasons. Hoyer admitted as much again while speaking with reporters at Wrigley Field earlier this week.

“Kyle Tucker is a player you want to have for a long time,” Hoyer told reporters. “He’s been one of the best players in baseball this year. He does so many things well, and he’s really had a significant impact on this offense. Certainly, you want to keep a player like that. You go into the negotiation wanting to keep him. But, obviously, you realize in some way that you must have your limits. We’ll keep all those things internal. But, certainly, I think Kyle is the kind of player you want to keep."

When it comes to Tucker's expected price, chances are it will fall quite short of the deal Juan Soto signed with the New York Mets last offseason. The Vladimir Guerrero Jr. contract extension with the Toronto Blue Jays remains the most likely blueprint for Tucker. Guerrero inked a 14-year deal with the Blue Jays worth $500MM.

Tucker landing a deal north of $500MM wouldn't be all that surprising, especially when you consider the Cubs, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Philadelphia Phillies are expected to be involved in the bidding. But one contract projection continues to look outrageous.

Kyle Tucker’s jaw-dropping contract projection now has GM approval

Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden has been adamant that Tucker will land a deal that starts in the $600MM range, and doubled down on that prediction while appearing as a guest on 670 The Score.

Bowden's reaction seems to be an overreaction to the $765MM deal Soto signed with the New York Mets last winter. Important context is that Soto is 26 while Tucker will be 29 by the start of the 2026 season. With that in mind, a deal a little bit more than what Guerrero signed for will likely be where Tucker's next contract falls.

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