The Chicago Cubs were busy this offseason, making two separate trades with the Houston Astros to acquire both Kyle Tucker and Ryan Pressly. Both players are entering the final year of their contracts.
Tucker will certainly command a large contract if he hits free agency, and he could be in line for one even before them, depending on whether or not the Cubs give him a contract extension.
Tim Britton of The Athletic predicts that if Tucker is signed to a contract extension, it will be in the neighborhood of 11 years and $336 million.
“A full, healthy season from Tucker would push this number even higher. The Cubs presumably didn’t trade for Tucker just to watch him walk in free agency, and this kind of agreement would change the narrative around Chicago’s ownership,” Britton wrote.
Tucker missed a good chunk of last season with a knee injury. Still, he hit .289/.408/.585 with 23 home runs, a 4.7 WAR, 11 stolen bases and a .993 OPS.
If he can stay healthy in 2025 with the Cubs, he should be in line for a massive contract in the following years, whether he signs it in free agency or is given an extension before he reaches that point.
Tucker is a three-time All-Star, a former Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner and was even a part of the Astros’ 2022 World Series championship team.
The Cubs would be wise to try and extend him before the end of the season, especially after giving up a haul of prospects to the Astros in the trade. It will certainly be interesting to see what they decide to do, but Tucker should receive a massive payday with his next deal, especially if he can remain healthy.
More MLB: Cubs Kyle Tucker projected for $366 million contract extension, beating Aaron Judge
