Cubs Projected to Re-Sign Kyle Tucker With $441 Million Blockbuster Deal

The Chicago Cubs followed up a major offseason gamble with a relatively disappointing encore.

After going all in on the season by trading away Cody Bellinger and bringing in superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker in his last year before free agency, the Cubs made a clear statement about their determination to return to the playoffs. But the team was unable to follow that up with any headlining additions before the trade deadline, despite some clear needs in the pitching staff.

“The Cubs made four moderate moves before the trade deadline, though many observers had assumed they’d make a bigger splash,” per MLB.com. “Chicago had been among the suitors for big-name starting pitchers, having reportedly been after Cleveland righty Shane Bieber, who ended up being traded to the Blue Jays.”

But, instead of bringing in a marquee starter like Bieber, the Cubs made some more peripheral moves while holding onto most of their prospective talent. And that might hint at some optimism that this won’t be their single season with Tucker.

“As far as roster/payroll fit goes, staying with the Cubs makes the most sense (for Tucker),” Kerry Miller wrote for Bleacher Report. “They may well need to structure the deal in such a way that he doesn’t make a ton in 2026. However, with Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki both slated for free agency after next season, the Cubs A) need to be thinking about their long-term outfield plans and B) have some big salaries coming off the books heading into 2027.”

Looking forward at the Cubs’ financial commitments, Miller projected that the team would lock Tucker in with an 11-year, $441 million blockbuster contract, giving them their franchise star of the present and future.

After a relatively quiet period leading up to the trade deadline, that kind of offseason exclamation mark could be up next for the Cubs.

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