With the Chicago Cubs making a blockbuster deal during the offseason for outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros, the conversation immediately became whether the Cubs could re-sign him.
Thanks to Tucker's hot start, the price tag has likely increased. While Tucker initially was thought to want to wait until the offseason, a new report from MLB Insider Jon Heyman on 670 The Score provided a positive update on an extension.
"Tucker, it seems like he's willing to talk in season, so that is a great sign to get something done," Heyman said.
.@JonHeyman shares how he believes the Cubs should approach contract negotiations with Kyle Tucker and Pete Crow-Armstrong.
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) May 5, 2025
Listen to full segment: https://t.co/OxDBBj3uUM pic.twitter.com/HH1XZuDevq
If the Cubs could extend Tucker, it would likely be on a massive deal. Heyman also mentioned that an MLB executive believes the Cubs will need to put $500 million on the table, but Heyman said, "... [The Cubs] are not going to do that."
While that paints a negative picture, the Cubs might be able to extend Tucker without paying him $500 million. Only Juan Soto ($765 million), Shohei Ohtani ($700 million), and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ($500 million) are at that price range.
A Tucker extension could net him in the $400-$500 million ballpark, without going too high for the Cubs to pay out. Tucker is 28 years old and is in his eighth season in the major leagues. He's already made a massive impact on the Cubs in just 35 games.
Tucker is hitting .292 with a .399 on-base percentage and a .577 slugging percentage. He also has 40 hits, 30 runs scored, eight doubles, two triples, nine home runs, and 30 RBI.
Across baseball, Tucker has the fourth highest OPS at .976, is fifth in RBI, and is third in runs scored. His offensive production for the Cubs has been elite. It is a significant reason that despite the litany of pitching injuries, the Cubs are 21 and 14, leading the National League Central division.
Extending Tucker is the main priority for the Cubs front office, and after Heyman's latest report, the chances of an extension happening have improved.
Heyman finished his report on Tucker's possible extension optimistically, expressing his belief that the Cubs can work something out.
"It feels like Tucker, he seems to be willing to talk in season, he wants to be here, so let's get it done," Heyman added
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