Chicago Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker has been at the center of possible extension talks following his hot start to the 2025 season, which sees him tied for second in the MLB in hits.

Tucker is going to be one of the most sought-after players in free agency, especially after Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays agreed to a 14-year, $500 million extension.

Contracts of that magnitude always affect the rest of the market. Tucker appears to be the beneficiary of Guerrero’s massive payday.

The Cubs traded for Tucker in the offseason, sending All-Star Isaac Paredes and top prospect Cam Smith to the Houston Astros. With such a haul, there’s pressure on the Cubs to extend Tucker and not make him a single-year rental.

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A new deal for Tucker would likely be the largest contract in Cubs history, and while he might not make Guerrero’s $500 million, a contract in that range seems likely for the star.

All signs point to the 28-year-old becoming the face of the franchise for years to come. However, the Cubs have shown hesitancy to spend top dollar in the past.

Despite being one of the largest markets in baseball, the Cubs entered this season at 12th in payroll.

If the Cubs hope to keep their MVP-caliber player for years to come, they’ll have to spend more money than anyone would be comfortable with.

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Article by Tobias Linkin

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