Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Cubs Send Kyle Tucker Clear Message After $504 Million Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Apr 10, 2025 11:23 AM ET

After Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signed his 14-year, $500 million extension, it paved a clear path for the Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker to be the biggest name to hit free agency after the 2025 season.

He's set to cash in too, with Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic suggesting that the three-time All-Star could fetch a contract worth $504 million, with an annual salary of $42 million.

It will remain to be seen if the Cubs would be willing to hand out that kind of money, but general manager Carter Hawkins made it very clear he holds Tucker in high regard during an appearance on the Mully & Haugh Show on Thursday.

“He’s a player you want to build around,” Hawkins said. "He’s absolutely an elite hitter in this league and plays great defense as well. He’s carried our lineup – along with our catchers – over the last couple of weeks. We’ll expect to see that continue through the season. We’re just thrilled to have him on this club.”

Tucker has been amazing to start the season, appearing in 15 games, accumulating 59 at-bats, 19 hits, 16 runs scored, five home runs, 16 RBI, while slashing .322/.452/.678 with an OPS of 1.130.

However, handing out a deal of that size is unheard of for the Cubs, especially considering the largest contract in team history belongs to shortstop Dansby Swanson, making $177 million over seven years.

Of course if Chicago isn't the one to hand Tucker a payday, then there's no doubt several teams would be lining up for his services.

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

More must-reads: