Multiple extension prices rising for Cubs, whether or not rumors were true

The Chicago Cubs reportedly engaged with Pete Crow-Armstrong's camp on rough parameters of a potential extension earlier this year before the two sides decided to table talks for the time being. Reports suggested they also checked in on a Kyle Tucker extension framework - but we never really got anything concrete on that front and the reports definitely felt more speculative.

Assuming even ballpark figures were discussed with one or both players, those numbers are quickly losing relevancy as Crow-Armstrong continues picking up steam at the plate and Tucker keeps playing like a legitimate MVP candidate nearly one month into the season.

Crow-Armstrong ranks second amongst all National League players at 1.9 fWAR, narrowly trailing Arizona Diamondbacks star Corbin Carroll (2.0 fWAR), while Tucker ranks fourth, behind Carroll, PCA and Fernando Tatis Jr. at 1.6 fWAR. The duo has carried the Cubs of late, with Crow-Armstrong really coming into his own offensively - on pace for a monster year.

Extending even one of these players would be huge for the Chicago Cubs

Of the two, Crow-Armstrong is definitely the likelier extension candidate given the fact the Cubs have the better part of a decade to get something done with their young outfielder - and his asking price will fall well shy of the $500 million Tucker could command this winter in free agency. An MVP-caliber walk year from the three-time All-Star could put him on the path to bagging a deal in the range of that recently signed by Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Crow-Armstrong is the one turning heads and garnering headlines - and part of the reason is surely because he's a long-term piece in Wrigleyville no matter what. Tucker is a far less certain thing and it would be shocking to see him re-up with the Cubs before testing the open waters this winter. That's not to say he won't sign with Chicago past 2025, but there are a lot more variables to that equation.

The Cubs would have to go into rarely touched waters even for a PCA extension if he keeps up this level of play. The team has just five $100+ million deals on the books in franchise history and a breakout season from the speedy outfielder could quickly have him setting his sights on a Carroll-esque deal (eight years, $111 million).

A Tucker contract would be truly unprecedented for the organization, which has never even given out a $200 million deal. The high-water mark came back in 2015 when Theo Epstein snagged Gold Glove outfielder Jason Heyward in free agency - and that deal failed to pay dividends, to say the least. Since then, the Cubs have largely been bystanders when it comes to big-time names. That perception could change with an extension for either player, but all signs point to nothing being imminent on that front.