Following Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s $500 million contract extension with the Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker is among the top free agent stars anticipated to draw major attention after this season. ESPN commentator Boog Sciambi ignited discussion by likening Tucker’s talent to that of Juan Soto, highlighting Tucker’s potential for an exceptional contract in free agency.
Boog Sciambi Highlights Kyle Tucker’s Comparable Skill to Juan Soto
During an appearance on Nothing Personal with David Samson, Sciambi emphasized Tucker’s all-around capabilities, placing him in a similar category as Soto, who signed a record $765 million deal with the New York Mets last offseason. Sciambi praised Tucker as one of baseball’s elite hitters, noting additional value in his ability to steal bases, which makes him a consistent threat for opponents on most nights.
“I think it starts with Kyle Tucker, because you’re talking about one of the top seven-ish hitters in all of baseball,” Sciambi said (1:00 onwards). “He’s basically like Soto. Not only that, but he steals bases. So most nights, the Cubs have the best hitter on the field.”
—Boog Sciambi, ESPN Commentator
“And to put him in that lineup — then I’d say you also need surprises, right? You need guys that kind of come out of nowhere.”
—Boog Sciambi, ESPN Commentator
Sciambi also addressed the likely financial range for Tucker’s upcoming contract, positioning it between Guerrero Jr.’s $500 million extension and Soto’s $765 million mega-contract. Though Tucker is two years older than Soto, Sciambi suggested Tucker is a superior player compared to Guerrero Jr., indicating that Tucker’s deal should reflect that level of value.
“There are two separate conversations here,” Sciambi added. “I’m saying he’s very similar to the level of player that Juan Soto is. He’s two years older, so that changes the contract constraints.”
—Boog Sciambi, ESPN Commentator
“But what I am saying is — he is absolutely a superior player to Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and he got $500 million. So between $760M and $500M — if I’m Kyle Tucker, I’m like, yeah, somewhere in there.”
—Boog Sciambi, ESPN Commentator
Insights from Jed Hoyer on Prospects of Extending Kyle Tucker’s Contract
Despite plenty of anticipation around Kyle Tucker’s free agency, the Cubs organization has provided limited details regarding extension talks. Chicago Cubs President Jed Hoyer recently addressed the prospects of re-signing Tucker, acknowledging the desire to retain such a valuable player but also recognizing organizational constraints.
“Kyle Tucker is a player you want to have for a long time,” Hoyer said via Marquee Sports Network. “You go into the negotiation wanting to keep them, but you realize, at some point, you must have your limits. Obviously, we’ll keep all those things internal.”
—Jed Hoyer, Chicago Cubs President
Hoyer’s comments suggest that while the Cubs are committed to pursuing a contract extension with Tucker, they are prepared to evaluate the financial terms carefully. If Tucker’s expected contract demands exceed the team’s limits, the Cubs could allow him to enter free agency, where he is expected to be one of the top stars available.
The comparisons to Juan Soto and the contract projections place Kyle Tucker in a rarefied class of players whose next deal could reshape team payrolls and free agency dynamics. As the season concludes, Tucker’s performance and negotiations will be closely watched, with significant implications for both the Cubs and the broader baseball market.