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Cubs' Kyle Tucker Discusses Looming Free Agency

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jacob Mountz | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 5:30 PM ET

In his first and potentially only year with the Chicago Cubs, Kyle Tucker has been a huge part of the team's success this season. The 28-year-old slugger is hitting .290/.398/.532 with 16 home runs and 19 stolen bases since being traded by the Houston Astros. Having witnessed his impact on the team, Cubs fans have one big question stirring in the back of their minds: will Jed Hoyer sign him long term?

There has already been some doubt cast on this potential. However, we haven’t exactly heard much from Tucker on the matter. This changed on Wednesday, albeit slightly, when he was asked about possible extension talks.

“For the most part, we’re just going to keep that between us,” he said as reported by Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic. “If anything happens, I’m sure you guys will know.”

Tucker left the matter in ambiguity; still, the first line of his answer may suggest something is going on behind the scenes. That doesn’t change the fact that he will likely head into free agency, where he will land a deal of $500 million or greater, yet the Cubs might just have an ace up their sleeve in negotiations.

“It kinda opens up your eyes,” Tucker said. “If you’re with the same organization, that’s kind of all you know. But for the most part, I’m just worried about this team, the Cubs this year and trying to get better this year.”

Tucker was also fond of his time in Houston, which complicates matters when predicting a preferred landing spot should he hit the market. But he didn’t stop short of expressing his feelings towards Chicago.

“It’s been nice. It’s a lot warmer now, so it’s nice, and the wind’s been blowing out recently. That helps. The city itself is really nice. Obviously, everyone there are really big Cubs fans and love coming to Wrigley. It’s a city that thrives on their sports and wants to see their teams win and succeed. We just try and go out there and do our best to give them that. It’s been a lot of fun to be a part of that.”

Whether this factors into his decision-making remains to be seen. There will be no shortage of big spenders waiting to pounce on Tucker in free agency. Knowing Hoyer’s spending habits, history is not on the Cubs’ side.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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