Kyle Tucker, the Chicago Cubs outfielder currently batting .279 with 18 home runs and 57 RBIs, has quickly become one of the team’s standout players this season. As a key contributor both offensively and defensively, Tucker’s strong performance has earned him his fourth All-Star selection, yet his future with the Cubs remains uncertain as he approaches free agency after the 2025 season without an extension agreement in place.
Tucker is well-liked by fans at Wrigley Field, who hope to see him remain with the Cubs long-term. However, negotiations for a contract extension appear to have stalled, raising questions about whether the primary obstacle is the valuation of his next deal. Insider Patrick Mooney shed light on the situation during a recent appearance on North Side Territory, suggesting that Tucker’s willingness to remain flexible could help bridge the gap between the two sides.
“Within the Cubs organization, it appears they don’t really have a great sense for what Kyle Tucker wants,” Mooney said (Timestamp: 0:26). “Obviously, it will come down to money.
“I do think there’s something about Tucker, that he’s shown this year, that he’s pretty flexible. I think he just loves playing baseball.” Mooney added
Owner’s Role Critical in Securing Tucker’s Future with Cubs
Given Tucker’s impressive on-field production, the cost of his next contract is expected to be substantial. MLB insider Jeff Passan emphasized that the ball is firmly in the hands of Cubs owner Tom Ricketts when it comes to securing Tucker’s extension. Passan highlighted that Ricketts will have to be willing to make a significant financial commitment if the Cubs hope to keep one of baseball’s most promising talents.
“It goes back to Tom Ricketts—is he willing to put money down on the table? Because it’s going to cost a lot,” Passan said (Timestamp: 5:15 onwards). “Kyle Tucker has played himself well into the $400 million-plus dollar range, and at 29 years old, he is going to be far and away the most exciting free agent this offseason — and the one that all the big-market teams are going to want to bring in.”
Passan further noted that Ricketts faces a pivotal moment as Cubs owner, one that requires him to take action unlike any previous effort to retain top talent.
“Ricketts is going to have to step up, put his money where his mouth is, and do what he hasn’t done yet as owner of the Cubs.”
Industry expectations place the total value of a Kyle Tucker Cubs contract extension near $500 million, making it a landmark deal for both the player and the franchise. How the Cubs organization navigates this critical negotiation will have major implications not only for the team’s competitive future but also for its standing in free agency markets. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the offseason approaches and the Cubs determine whether they can keep their star player at Wrigley Field.