Outfielder Kyle Tucker has not wasted any time in making an impact with the Chicago Cubs.
The Cubs are not wasting any time in looking to keep Tucker for the long term. According to insider Mike Rodriguez, the Cubs and Tucker are discussing a long-term extension.
Tucker was acquired from the Astros in a blockbuster trade during the offseason. He had been a dangerous bat in the middle of the Astros’ lineup, hitting 112 homers between 2021 and 2024. A three-time All-Star, Tucker led the American League with 112 RBI in 2023.
He has picked up right where he left off in Houston. Tucker has made an immediate impact in the lineup, producing a .322/.452/.678 batting line with five homers and six doubles in 73 plate appearances entering Friday. He leads the National League in runs (16), hits (19) and RBI (16). Tucker has been exactly what the Cubs hoped for.
Tucker had indicated earlier in the week that he was not thinking about an extension with the Cubs. He stated that his focus was on wins and producing in the lineup. Tucker has done his part thus far.
Any long-term deal, whether an extension with the Cubs or in free agency, is likely to be expensive. Spotrac projects Tucker to receive a 12-year deal worth just over $533 million if he reaches the market. First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. may have set Tucker’s market when he signed his 14-year, $500 million extension with the Blue Jays.
The Cubs paid a significant price to bring Tucker on board, sending third baseman/outfielder Cam Smith, infielder Isaac Paredes and pitcher Hayden Wesneski to Houston. It is time to open the checkbook and make Tucker a significant part of the Cubs’ future.
