Latest Kyle Tucker contract projection is one the Cubs shouldn't be afraid of

The question that will linger over the Chicago Cubs' 2025 season is will the team find a way to secure Kyle Tucker's spot in right field for the long term.

Every indication, from the way MLB free agency is trending to how the Cubs have willingly avoided swimming in the deep waters of spending every offseason, would suggest that there isn't much hope to believe the team will sign Tucker to a long-term contract following the season. Even with the premise that the Cubs gave up a top prospect in Cam Smith and a pitcher in Hayden Wesneski, they remained high on, the trade for Tucker was done strictly with 2025 on their mind.

However, if there was going to be an exception to the rule that is the Cubs avoiding spending like a big-market team, Tucker would likely be that player given the power in his offensive profile while also being a good baserunner with Gold-Glove potential in right field. Given Tucker's age, that likely is the reason why he won't be in line for a 15-year contract like the one Juan Soto signed this offseason. Or, to use someone in his free-agent class, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Kyle Tucker's projected contract isn't as scary as the Cubs will want you to believe it is

In fact, for how MLB contracts are trending, the latest projected contract for Tucker is one the Cubs should have no reservations about. While using age and fWAR as the main factors in his calculation, Tim Britton of The Athletic projects Tucker's next contract to be worth $366MM for 11 years. By comparison, Britton has Guerrero at $450MM for 15 years. While we're here, the Cubs shouldn't be afraid of that contract either.

There eventually is going to come a time when the Cubs will have to spend at the top of the market, and it might as well be on a player they will have already had on their roster for a season. Now, the potential work stoppage in 2027 is the underlying reason why the Cubs are currently avoiding long-term contracts but given their current commitments after the 2026 season, Tucker's projected contract wouldn't really have much consequence.