MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at Chicago Cubs Chicago Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker (30) during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the Tokyo Series at Tokyo Dome. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Cubs get intriguing Kyle Tucker free agency update

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Evan Massey | Last updated Dec 16, 2025 2:50 PM ET

Last offseason, the Chicago Cubs pulled off an extremely aggressive blockbuster trade to acquire superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros. Fans were hoping to see the Cubs be able to retain Tucker long-term this offseason, but recent rumors have suggested that they won’t get their wish.

Tucker’s market has been expected to exceed what Chicago might be willing to pay.

While the rumors have not been friendly to the Cubs, Tucker’s market has not quite materialized as expected. Quite a few teams who were rumored to be potential landing spots have already pulled out of the race to sign him. His value could drop some from the expected amount.

Could that open up the door for Chicago to consider getting involved and bringing him back?

ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel recently doubled down on a projection that Tucker will end up getting an 11-year, $418 million contract. He also noted that Tucker’s deal could include potential deferrals.

Grant Young of Chicago Cubs on SI believes that that projection could be friendly to the Cubs’ chances of re-signing Tucker. However, it’s worth nothing that Chicago has not utilized deferral contracts to this point in time.

“The prospect of Tucker getting a deferred deal could make him more affordable for the Cubs,” Young wrote. “For example, if Chicago offered Tucker the 11-year, $418 million deal that McDaniel projected but deferred half of that money to the 11 years after his contract concludes, that would mean they only had to pay him $19 million per year over the next 11 years as opposed to $38 million.”

Being able to save that kind of money and still retain Tucker might be something the Cubs could consider. If Jed Hoyer and the front office want to be serious. World Series contenders, bringing Tucker back would be a big step in that direction.

During the 2025 MLB season with Chicago, Tucker played in 136 games. He hit 22 home runs to go along with 73 RBI, while slashing .266/.377/.464.

Is it likely that the Cubs will re-sign Tucker when all is said and done? Probably not, but at this point in time there are still pieces of hope to hang onto.

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

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