Why Cubs' Kyle Tucker Could Turn Down $500 Million

Tucker, the most recent National League Player of the Week, is off to a scorching hot start in his Cubs debut. The 28-year-old leads the majors in WAR (1.1), runs (14), hits (17), and total bases (37). He also leads the NL in home runs (5), RBIs (16), OPS (1.165), and OPS+ (226).

He also has incredible plate discipline. Since 2023, Tucker has an otherworldly 136 to 146 walk-to-strikeout ratio.

This is all while providing very good defense in right field and leading a lineup that has been desperate for star power for years. He is also a weapon on the bags, having recorded 25 steals in 2022, 30 in 2023, and 11 over just 78 games last year.

When you factor in his all-around game, a smooth left-handed swing, and relatively young age, Tucker should earn somewhere in the 10-year, $400-million range. However, considering that every team could conceivably make a run at Tucker, this bidding war may very well approach Guerrero Jr.’s figure.

If Tucker keeps up this meteoric pace, it will be a sure thing.

His production with Chicago is a bit of a double-edged sword. Obviously, the Cubs need him to keep raking, but if he has too good of a year, they will almost certainly be on the outside looking in during this offseason’s battle for his services.