The Chicago Cubs are predicted to lose newly acquired outfielder Kyle Tucker in free agency by 2026, potentially in a $500 million deal, despite their blockbuster trade to bring the three-time All-Star to Chicago this offseason. The trade with the Houston Astros cost the Cubs a significant package, including top third base prospect Cam Smith, 2024 All-Star infielder Isaac Paredes, and promising pitcher Hayden Wesneski, who had posted a 3.93 ERA across three seasons.
Given the high price paid to secure Tucker, most expected the Cubs to move swiftly to negotiate a long-term extension with the 27-year-old, a former first-round draft pick of the Astros in 2015. However, recent developments have cast doubt on that possibility. Talks reportedly stalled over a $2.5 million gap in salary for 2025, with Tucker requesting $17.5 million and the Cubs offering $15 million. If unresolved, the dispute could lead to a contentious arbitration hearing.
Tucker avoided arbitration with the Astros last year by settling for $12 million, but the current impasse has raised concerns among Cubs fans and analysts. Zachary Rotman, a columnist for Cubs Fansided, criticized Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer for mishandling the situation. “The Cubs traded for the best player on the market in Kyle Tucker to make up for their inactivity in high-end free agency,” Rotman wrote. “Unfortunately, Jed Hoyer has already given fans a reason to worry about Tucker’s future with the team before he’s even played a game.”
Without a long-term deal, Tucker’s tenure in Chicago could be short-lived, making the hefty trade package even more costly for the Cubs in the long run.
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