Cubs’ clever path to potential Kyle Tucker reunion revealed

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matthew Schmidt | Last updated Dec 28, 2025 7:16 PM ET

When the Chicago Cubs swung a blockbuster trade to acquire Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros last offseason, just about everyone assumed Tucker would be a one-year affair. The four-time All-Star was slated to hit free agency after the 2025 campaign, and given the Cubs’ rather frugal spending habits in recent years, Tucker re-signing with Chicago seemed unlikely.

But is there actually a path to a reunion between the two sides?

Paul Hembekides of ESPN did not go as far to name the Cubs as a potential landing spot for Tucker, but he did say that every big-market team in baseball — which includes the Cubbies — should make a serious play for Tucker if some very unique circumstances emerge.

With Tucker’s market looking very slow at the moment, Hembekides wondered if Tucker could potentially seek a short-term deal that would allow him to cash in for one or two years before hitting the free-agent market again.

The Chicago Cubs should pursue Kyle Tucker in this situation

May 28, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker (30) is greeted in the dugout after scoring against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Hembekides pitched two different Tucker scenarios that could appeal to Chicago.

One involves Tucker signing a one-plus-one deal, where the star outfielder would sign a two-year contract with a player option for 2027. The deal would offer Tucker $104 million in total, which would pay him $52 million annually. It would make the former first-round pick the second-highest paid player in baseball from an AAV perspective and would make sense for Tucker if he can’t land the long-term $400 million pact he is seeking.

The second setup would consist of Tucker inking a two-plus-two deal. It would be a four-year, $172 million contract with a player option after the second season and would feature $43 million in average annual value.

Given that the Cubs were absolutely serious contenders with Tucker this past season, they should absolutely pursue a reunion with the 29-year-old if this situation arises.

Is Kyle Tucker in trouble?

May 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker (30) runs after hitting a single during the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

Perhaps there aren’t any teams that view Tucker as a $400 million player. Or maybe the market is just taking shape.

Whatever the case may be, things have been awfully quiet on the Tucker front, which could open the door for Chicago to re-enter the picture and possibly come to terms with Tucker on a rather distinctive contract.

Is it incredibly likely? No, because it would still involve Tom Ricketts shelling out a substantial amount of cash, even if it would only be on a short-term basis. But we cannot entirely rule out a Tucker-Cubs partnership under the right circumstances.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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