Chicago Cubs fans are watching multi-tool right fielder Kyle Tucker do his thing this year, but there has to be a bittersweet feel to it all.
On Sunday night, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s announced 14-year, $500 million contract extension with the Toronto Blue Jays confirmed what kind of ballpark we’re talking about when it comes to extending Tucker. And, unfortunately, the seats for that ballpark may be too expensive for the taste of Cubs ownership.
This is all something most everyone already kinda, sorta knew. But now that the probable numbers are there in black and white, it just feels like a punch in the gut to those envisioning a Cubs world with Tucker in it beyond 2025.
An Insider Reveals Kyle Tucker Contract Expectations
To make matters worse, a recent revelation, citing a source with insider info on Tucker’s contract goal, let loose with a second gut punch to a reeling Cubs fandom.
Lance Brozdowski of the Cubs Daily Podcast recently spoke of information he attained directly from a source at Tucker’s management agency. And, man, it’s not good news (for anyone but Tucker and his people):
Per Brozdowski:
“I actually spoke to someone today at Excel Sports Management, which is Tucker’s agency, and I made them give me an estimate for Tucker’s eventual contract, whether it be in free agency or an in-season extension. And the number they gave was 10 years and $475 million. Sure, it’s a biased source, within his agency. Of course they’re going to promote him. Absolutely. But I thought it was actually somewhat reasonable, and I think it’s a good over-under for what he eventually will receive.”
Yikes! 10 years for $475 million?
Too Rich For The Chicago Cubs’ Taste?
As Brozdowski said, that number is definitely skewed coming from Tucker’s own team and it’s most likely just a starting point for talks. But, still…we’re talking about the Cubs and the owning Ricketts family. It’s hard to envision a scenario where Chicago even comes near that figure.
Opening up the vault for Kyle is not something the Cubs CAN’T do. They could do it, if they wanted. The team has very little money tied up beyond 2027 and young, more affordable talent from the packed Triple-A squad should be moving up to fill spots on the major league roster fairly soon.
However, given the team’s unwillingness to target elite-level big ticket free agent talent and all the hand wringing from ownership/front office over budgetary constraints, it seems unlikely that the team will change their ways for Tucker.
Seeing the 3-time all-star lead the club in home runs, RBIs, hits, and walks early in the season doesn’t help with that gut-punch feeling. Watching teammates rave about how Tucker’s presence makes everyone around him better also doesn’t help.
“He’s a great player. I enjoy being teammates with him,” Seiya Suzuki told Marquee Sports Network’s Elise Menaker through an interpreter. “Watching him and learning a lot, staying aggressive and trying to almost mimic his approach. I think because of him, I think everybody on the team is hitting very well. I think he’s a very important part of the team.”
Why Even Trade For Tucker If…
Matt Snyder of CBS Sports questions the wisdom of giving up three viable players to the Houston Astros via trade for Tucker (Isaac Paredes, Heyden Wesneski, Cam Smith) if the Cubs weren’t all-in when it comes to winning a World Series now or signing him for a long-term run at titles.
Per Snyder:
“If you’re going to give up that kind of haul for a player with only one year left before free agency, it sure seems like you should do everything you can to re-sign him. The Yankees were here with Juan Soto and lost out. They also went to the World Series. The Dodgers dealt for Mookie Betts with one year of control left and then signed him to a 12-year, $365 million extension. The Mets did something similar with Francisco Lindor.
Are the Cubs going to go to the World Series? It’s crowded in the National League with the Dodgers, Phillies, Mets, Braves, Padres and Diamondbacks and the Giants.
Are the Cubs going to re-sign Tucker?
If the answer is no to neither of those, it’s hard to justify the trade. And I suspect that’s where we’re headed.”
So, where does all this leave Cubs fans? Mostly in limbo, appreciating what they have now, but lamenting what will be gone tomorrow.
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