The Cubs caused a stir after failing to settle with newly acquired outfielder Kyle Tucker by last week’s deadline.
But on Thursday, the Cubs and Tucker agreed to a $16.5 million salary for the 2025 season. Usually, the Cubs stick to a file-and-trial approach but were able to come to an agreement with Tucker, who they acquired in December from the Astros for third baseman Isaac Paredes, prospect Cam Smith and right-hander Hayden Wesneski.
“I was glad we got it done,” president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said at Cubs Convention. “The timing of the exchange date is always awkward with the convention. Both sides were motivated to get a deal done. Obviously excited he’s here, under contract, and glad we put that behind us.”
The Cubs narrowly avoided an awkward situation with their prized offseason acquisition.
Since the Cubs acquired Tucker, money has always come up in conversation. Tucker, a free agent after the 2025 season, will likely require a hefty contract to remain with the Cubs. The largest contract in Cubs history belongs to former outfielder Jason Heyward — who signed an eight-year, $184 million contract — and Tucker’s contract will likely exceed Heyward’s by a considerable margin.
Hoyer likes to say that the Cubs sell themselves, but money talks if this union between the Cubs and Tucker hopes to last past this season.
“Not yet, we’ll see where that leads to a little later,” Tucker said on if the team had long-term contract extensions.
Tucker’s a three-time All-Star and a Gold Glove winner. He has two seasons where he’s hit thirty home runs and a season in which he stole 30 bases. He’s the type of dynamic hitter the Cubs have lacked since Kris Bryant.
Keeping Tucker will take the Cubs out of their financial comfort zone. Tucker admitted that Juan Soto’s 15-year, $765 million contract does change his thinking, but that he’s focused on performing to his capabilities.
“That stuff takes care of itself, at the end of the day,” Tucker said.
The Cubs made an exception with the agreement; the next step is the extension.