Cubs’ Kyle Tucker Contract Talks Hit Snag, Sparking Free Agency Fears

CHICAGO, Ill. — The Chicago Cubs‘ acquisition of three-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros has hit a roadblock as contract extension talks between the player and the team have stalled, raising concerns about his long-term future with the franchise.

The Cubs traded highly ranked third base prospect Cam Smith, infielder Isaac Paredes, and pitcher Hayden Wesneski to the Astros in exchange for Tucker, a 27-year-old standout who was the fifth overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft. Tucker, who avoided arbitration with the Astros last year by agreeing to a $12 million salary, is seeking $17.5 million for the 2025 season, while the Cubs have countered with an offer of $15 million.

Zachary Rotman, a sports analyst, criticized Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer for the impasse. “The Cubs made up for their lack of interest in high-end free agents by trading for the best player on the trade market, Kyle Tucker,” Rotman wrote. “Unfortunately for Cubs fans excited about this acquisition, Jed Hoyer gave the entire fan base a reason to be concerned about his future with the team before he even suited up for a game.”

Robert Murray, a Fansided writer, added to the uncertainty by predicting Tucker could command a massive free agent contract after the 2025 season. “This could have long-term ramifications for Tucker and the Cubs,” Murray said on a podcast. “He saw what Juan Soto got in free agency, $765 million. He’s not going to get Juan Soto money by any means, but if he has a good year, a great year like he typically does, if he stays healthy, I don’t think $500 million’s out of the question for Tucker.”

The Cubs’ history with large free agent contracts has been mixed. Their largest deal to date was the $184 million contract given to outfielder Jason Heyward in 2016. While Heyward played a key role in the Cubs’ World Series championship that year, the signing was ultimately considered a bust, and the team released him with a year remaining on his contract.

Tucker, a Tampa, Florida, native and graduate of H.B. Plant High School, has established himself as one of baseball’s most underappreciated stars. Over the past three seasons, he has consistently delivered strong performances, making him a coveted asset for the Cubs. However, the failure to secure a long-term deal could leave the team vulnerable to losing him in free agency.

As the 2025 season approaches, the Cubs face a critical decision: meet Tucker’s demands or risk losing him to a higher bidder. For now, the stalemate has left fans and analysts alike questioning the team’s commitment to building a championship-caliber roster.