Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker. © Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Cubs Predicted to Make Trade After $600 Million Kyle Tucker News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated May 24, 2025 12:06 AM ET

The Chicago Cubs are 8-2 in their last 10 games and sit atop the NL Central with a 31-20 record. In pursuit of its first MLB postseason appearance since 2020, Chicago has enjoyed a breakout season from Pete Crow-Armstrong, along with consistent contributions from Kyle Tucker, Seiya Suzuki and others.

In the final season of his contract, Tucker projects to command a massive deal in free agency. On Wednesday, Jim Bowden of The Athletic revealed Tucker is expected to reach $600 million on his next contract.

"Following Juan Soto’s record-setting $765 million deal in free agency and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s $500 million extension, Tucker is expected to land a nine-figure contract that starts with a 6," Bowden wrote.

While Chicago would certainly love to keep Tucker, the news of his predicted value makes it increasingly possible his Cubs tenure lasts just one year. Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller emphasized this in a recent article, subsequently naming Chicago a "panic trade" candidate as it attempts to maximize perhaps Tucker's only season in a Cubs jersey.

"And in what may well be their only season with Kyle Tucker on the roster—with an offense that has been exquisite aside from a mediocre third base situation—it's hard to imagine they'll just stand pat and hope for the best with the rotation," Miller wrote.

As for what trade the Cubs will make, Miller specifically highlighted the pitching staff as an area of need. Despite their status atop the NL Central, the Cubs' team ERA is just 3.94 which ranks 16th in baseball.

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

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