Cubs already tabbed to lose star to $500 million contract next winter

The Chicago Cubs made a splash with a big trade this winter, but whether the team will be able to resign the impending free agent is another matter.

Chicago shocked many in Major League Baseball by dealing for Houston Astros superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker this offseason. However, many are already cringing at the thought of "the smallest big-market team in baseball" actually keeping him beyond 2025.

The Cubs dealt third baseman Isaac Paredes and corner infield prospect Cam Smith to Houston in order to land Tucker in December. 

Tucker is slated to hit free agency for the first time after the upcoming season, and Chicago was already playing hardball in pre-arbitration negotiations over just $2.5 million in salary. 

It's going to take more than that to keep Tucker in Wrigley Field long term — a lot more. To that end, Fansided's Zachary Rotman wrote that Cubs' general manager Jed Hoyer has already "laid the groundwork to ruin the trade in record time."

Referencing a report from ESPN's Jesse Rogers, the Cubs are "taking their new star to arbitration before he even plays an inning for them." The Cubs offered Tucker $15 million for 2025 and would not budge as the player's camp countered at $17.5 million. 

Rotman called it "a slap in the face to Tucker and to Cubs fans," noting that if the team is arguing over $2.5 million, what will happen when he is offered "around or upwards of $500 million" on a long-term contract in 2026 free agency.

While Chicago is considered a contender to regain the National League Central title this coming season, few believe that the Cubs have the horses for much more than that. Not exactly the position should be in to consider Tucker a "rental."

More MLB: Astros tabbed to go to $90 million for switch-hitting outfielder