The Chicago Cubs have made a series of major moves this offseason, but it’s unclear if they’re in a much better spot now than they were ahead of a futile 2024 campaign.
The most notable addition for the Cubs was a blockbuster trade that landed three-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker, who is projected to earn $16.7 million in his final year of arbitration eligibility before earning a major long-term contract for 2026 and beyond. But the Cubs followed that move by dealing away former Most Valuable Player Award winner Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees.
There’s reason to believe Tucker is an upgrade over Bellinger, but as a potential franchise star, Tucker’s real promise is in the talent he offers to a team across a career that might be yet to hit its prime. And Jesse Rogers of ESPN has reported that the Cubs might not be the destination to enjoy that prime as they refuse to offer Tucker a long-term contract amid larger financial questions.
“The bottom line is more of a concern than ever, with some industry observers believing the Cubs won’t sign a megadeal for a player before the next labor agreement is negotiated with the players after the 2026 season,” per Rogers. “That means Tucker could be one-and-done at Wrigley Field… Signing an extension before he hits free agency seems unlikely and some industry observers already believe the odds are low that he will re-sign with Chicago next winter.”
If the Cubs really only have the 2025 season to capitalize on Tucker’s prowess, they might not be in the best position to make their trade to acquire him worthwhile. To add Tucker from the Houston Astros, the Cubs gave up infielder Isaac Paredes, who has three more seasons of arbitration eligibility ahead, Hayden Wesneski, who has not yet entered arbitration eligibility, and top-100 prospect Cam Smith — three players who still have significant time before hitting free agency. It was a “win now” move to enter what could be a very short window with Tucker.
“For consecutive offseasons, the Chicago Cubs have given mixed signals to their fans and the rest of the baseball world,” Rogers added.
If the Cubs are unable to retain Tucker, as seems to be expected, the pressure to end their playoff drought with a deep postseason run in 2025 is on. If not, the direction of the organization over the last few seasons might face some serious questions.
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