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The Chicago Cubs traded for Kyle Tucker in the offseason, and he could become the most sought-after player in next year's free agency. However, the Cubs will want to try and extend him before that.
Tucker, 28, is a three-time All-Star, Gold Glover and Silver Slugger. He could find himself signing a $500 million deal on the open market. The Cubs gave up Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski and Cam Smith to land him, and will not want him to be a one-year rental. Tucker has been named to three consecutive All-Star games and has hit 122 home runs since 2021.
He knows the type of money he can get in free agency, and so do the Cubs. Extending him is the only way to ensure that a bigger market team does not sweep him off his feet as a free agent. Tucker spoke on a potential extension with the Cubs during an appearance on ESPN's "Carmen and Jurko."
"It's nice hearing it from the fans, that they want me to stay with the team, and how much support and love that they're giving you," Tucker said on hearing the noise about fans wanting him to stay. "All I try and do is just go out there and try to win games."
"I just focus on playing ball, and going out there and doing my part to win those games, and let the other pieces fall into place whenever they shall."
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Tucker is not focused on signing an extension right now as he tries to help the Cubs get back into the postseason. To be fair, signing an extension could cost him lots of money, as teams like the New York Yankees could be willing to pay him more than the Cubs. According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, even the Los Angeles Dodgers, and their seemingly unlimited funds, are expected to throw their hat in the ring.
On one hand, Cubs fans likely appreciate Tucker pouring all of his focus into winning. On the other hand, they are likely worried he could be convinced to leave if he hits the open market.
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