MLB insider phones it in on latest Kyle Tucker contract update

Everything the Chicago Cubs do between now and the end of the season will, in some form, involve Kyle Tucker's contract situation as a follow-up discussion. During the first two rounds of the 2025 MLB Draft on Sunday, the Cubs took two outfielders. Between the MLB trade deadline in a few weeks and Tucker being a free agent after the season, it shouldn't come as a complete shock that adding outfielders was a priority for the Cubs' front office.

The Cubs were not assured of an extension when they traded for Tucker last December, but the expectation was that around the All-Star break, the two sides would start negotiations in earnest. While the Cubs haven't tipped their hand on where things stand with a possible extension, Jon Heyman offered a non-update during his latest rumor roundup for the New York Post.

"Kyle Tucker won’t be easy for the Cubs to sign. Hard to imagine him shooting for less than $500M after Vlad Guerrero Jr.’s $500M deal."

MLB insider adds zero clarity to Kyle Tucker contract situation

Tucker isn't just going to sign with the Cubs? Check, we knew. Tucker won't be signing for less than $500MM? Check. So, again, Heyman didn't really share anything new with his update on Tucker

If you squint, however, there could be some context clues. There's been some local speculation that the Cubs could aim for a short-term, high-AAV deal in their potential offer to Tucker. That doesn't appear to be a strategy that will work with Tucker this offseason.

The fact of the matter is that such a suggestion, in the past, would be leaked by the Cubs just so that they can say "we tried". Being left at the altar this offseason, as it concerns Tucker, with "we tried" stapled to their shirt pocket would be an awful look for the Cubs' front office.

The biggest question facing Tucker's free agency is whether the number will start with a 5 or 6. If the deal falls short of $600MM, the Cubs need to be the team with the largest offer. Even if Tucker's markets take an offer past $600MM, the Cubs need to be at the center of the talks.

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