The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, and some great performances from the players—that’s what every fan expects from the 2025 MLB campaign. Wrigley Field was lit with an electrifying energy that surged through the stadium, paving the way for a star’s rebirth. Kyle Tucker, the right fielder for the Chicago Cubs, made his debut wearing the Cubs uniform on Opening Day. And he didn’t disappoint his fans, right?
Absolutely! While many speculated about their star’s revival, Kyle Tucker made sure to live up to their expectations. However, as he approaches free agency, there’s a big question mark over the Cubs. What is it?
The Chicago Cubs haven’t yet extended Kyle Tucker’s contract, raising speculations surrounding their financial flexibility and their intent to indulge in the bidding wars. Kyle Tucker is a massive prospect, with some even considering him better than Juan Soto. So, in case they don’t extend his contract, Tucker might end up as a free agent, where he could get better deals just like Soto or even what Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been trying to do. Now, when asked about whether there’s any chance of the Cubs extending Kyle Tucker’s contract, MLB executive Jim Bowden said, “I doubt you’ll see the Cubs sign Tucker this season because I think he’ll wisely want to become a free agent to establish his value on the open market.”
For Bowden, it seems unlikely that the Cubs will extend his contract given the previous spending patterns of the Cubs. However, he compares Tucker with Juan Soto. But why?
Jim Bowden continued, saying, “If Juan Soto is worth $765 million in free agency, how much is Tucker worth? 650? 600? 550? 500? I don’t think anyone knows until he gets there.” It’s quite justified, given that despite missing a major portion of the 2024 season due to an injury, Tucker still managed to post a .289/.408/.585 slash line, scoring 23 home runs in 78 games. In comparison, Juan Soto had an average of .288, 109 RBIs, and scored 41 homers while playing the entire previous season.
So, it’s very likely that Tucker will fetch a six-figure price tag. The Chicago Cubs may not go that far, although the probability isn’t zero at all. Moreover, the way Kyle Tucker made an explosive comeback this season, there might always be a remote chance, right?
An explosive start for Kyle Tucker in a Cubs jersey
The acquisition of the outfielder was probably one of the best decisions the Chicago Cubs made in 2024. His presence in the team has already transformed the dynamics of the lineup, and now, his explosive start is radiating all over the field. In the last ten games, Kyle Tucker has showcased his skills prominently, posting four home runs and making five doubles. He has also batted at an impressive .302 average in 2025, with a .444 OBP and 1.142 OPS, and that’s quite impressive. But that’s not all!
Tucker also has a good strikeout rate and a 17.8 percent walk rate, along with 0.9 WAR, which is currently the highest in the majors. All in all, Kyle Tucker has been continuing his good form even after coming from an injury. Furthermore, his excellent fielding skills and error-free record across 70 innings strengthen his position as a cornerstone in terms of both offense and defense. The future holds a lot of promise for him, as the Cubs will look to make a good investment in him, seeking a long-term commitment from him.
However, will the Chicago Cubs finally be able to afford Kyle Tucker’s contract extension? Let’s hear it from all of you.
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