Cubs' Kyle Tucker Gets Timeline for Potential Deal in Chicago - Yahoo Sports
If the Chicago Cubs thought Kyle Tucker would be expensive when they traded for him during the offseason, that price has only gone up.
For a Cubs organization that hasn't spent over the past decade, keeping Tucker in town could be difficult. However, the team needs him, and if they don't bring him back, many will be rightfully disgusted with the ownership group.
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While there haven't been any signs of Tucker signing an extension during the campaign, a recent report from Jon Heyman of the New York Post suggests that the team will start speaking with him in the summer in hope of getting a deal done.
“Meantime, Kyle Tucker (Alonso’s Tampa Plant High teammate) and the Cubs are expected to talk this summer, and a couple of rivals suggest the Guerrero contract is the true comp considering Tucker’s big start and what they gave up to get him (Cam Smith plus),” he wrote.
Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker (30) watches his two-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the eighth inning at Wrigley Field.Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Even if Tucker signs a deal bigger than Guerrero’s, which came out to $500 million, he's well worth it. If anything, Tucker is a better player and has proven that early in 2025. He's currently hitting 314 with an OPS+ of 197. Tucker also has seven home runs.
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"Tucker is arguably a better all-around player but is 26 months older than Guerrero, and Cubs ownership isn’t known for big spending (i.e. they were easily outbid for Alex Bregman). The Cubs do have a positive history getting deals with Excel clients (Jason Heyward, Dansby Swanson). But this could go either way."
There's a lot that has to play out over the next few months, but if Tucker and his agency, Excel Sports Management, are smart, he'll likely wait until free agency to get something done to maximize his value.