The Chicago Cubs knew the stakes when they traded for Kyle Tucker. It was an expensive risk, as he came with just one year of club control. And with no guarantee that he would be committed for the long term. But now, as his performance is speaking volume, there is a sense of urgency to lock him down—perhaps, this time for the long term.

And it seems like the front office might finally be willing to do what it takes. On the recent episode of the Cubs REKAP Podcast, David Kaplan gave fans a major update on where things really stand regarding the Cubs’ pursuit of Tucker.

“I’m hearing that the Cubs have wrapped their brain around—doesn’t mean he’ll accept it—wrapped their brain around ‘whatever it costs, we’re paying it,’ and they want to keep Tucker,” Kaplan said. This is a huge shift for a team like the Cubs!

See, the Cubs’ front office is known to be extremely cautious when it comes to spending big. But this move might simply be out of necessity, not luxury. Tucker has been one of the most consistent players in the lineup. He is hitting .289 with a .976 OPS, seven home runs, and 25 RBIs. He also has more walks than strikeouts through his 114 at-bats.

At 28 years old, Tucker is at his best—at his prime—and becoming what everyone can call the centerpiece for the Cubs. The team, now leading the NL Central with a 17-12 record! His influence is phenomenal, and the Cubs lead the majors in runs scored, and they are top in the NL in combined OPS. Plus, Michael Busch and Seiya Suzuki have stepped up, too, just highlighting how Tucker has been that stabilizing force. Now, Jed Hoyer’s contract is expiring after this season, so the Cubs are operating with urgency. But if anything, the final decision will be Tucker’s and whether he will commit to the Cubs.

Can Chicago Cubs open their checkbooks for Kyle Tucker?

Even though Tucker is dominating now, the season didn’t start this way. Remember, he started the season 0-for-20? Now, not just his gameplay but even his price tag is soaring as high as it can be. His bat has come alive, and his defense is elite, and already, his next offseason demands are being talked about. Bob Nightengale mentioned that Tucker’s free agent price could touch $500 million. Just some time ago, that number hovered around $300 million. So what changed?

Well, the market changed. Juan Soto’s nearly $800 million deal and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s half-a-billion deal have changed how players like Tucker get paid, too. The Cubs are, of course, well aware of the rate, given Kaplan just mentioned they have “wrapped their brain around” the idea of what it takes. But really, Cubs fans have heard this story before—haven’t they? Bryce Harper recently revealed the Cubs were his top free-agent destination in 2018. Although Harper said the same story for the White Sox, the gist is that the Cubs front office didn’t even pick up the phone!

So, of course, Harper left for the Phillies, as the Cubs watched from the sidelines. If the Cubs want to flip that spirit, then Tucker seems to be the person to bet on. He is not just a rental but a player in his prime. And make no mistake, if the Cubs do let him walk, it’s not just going to be déjà vu — it’s going to be a mistake.

But the question is whether the Cubs will open the checkbook. Or will the Cubs fans have to see another generational player just walk out the door? Let us know which you think will happen in the comments.