The Baseball Society loves a bold comparison, but this one might be the wildest yet. A rising talent, fresh off a massive payday, is being touted as better than Juan Soto—yes, the same Soto who secured a staggering $765 million deal. For a clubhouse desperate for a game-changer, this isn’t just hype—it could be a franchise-altering reality.

But is the claim really that outrageous? Numbers do not lie, and this star’s trajectory shows he could just back up the claim. With an All-MLB Team selection already in the conversation, the hype train is picking up serious steam. The only question is—can he deliver?

The Chicago Cubs made a blockbuster move this offseason, acquiring Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros. Entering the 2025 season, Tucker is set to earn $16.5 million before hitting free agency, making him one of the most sought-after players on the market. But it’s not just his contract that has the baseball world buzzing—it’s the comparison to Juan Soto and the growing belief that he’ll earn an All-MLB Team nod in 2025.

An MLB insider recently made a vital announcement related to Tucker’s future value: “The numbers are crazy these days, but if he has a Tucker-like year, how can he not command $400 million or more?” He backed it up with an even bigger claim: “I am not saying this either way, but some people believe he’s better than Soto.”

That’s a massive statement, but looking at the figures, it’s not entirely out of the syllabus.

Tucker’s 2024 season was a tale of two bisections—dominant when healthy but cut short by a shin injury. Before falling, he batted .289 with 13 doubles, 23 home runs, 49 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases in just 78 games. Even with restricted playing time, he nailed an elite .993 OPS and gained his third consecutive All-Star selection. The numbers were well built, but what if he had paused on the field? Given his pace, he could have effortlessly been among the league’s top sluggers.

This is where the hype begins to feel real. If he stays healthy this season and provides similar numbers, a $400 million contract could not be as far-fetched as it looks. However, the real question remains: how does Tucker stack up against Soto?

And is the comparison legitimate? At first glance, comparing anyone to Juan Soto feels ambitious. In 2024, the Mets star put up a .288 batting average, 41 HR, 109 RBIs, and a .988 OPS. In addition, he played over an entire 157-game season. Soto’s elite plate discipline and capability to manage the strike zone make the star a dangerous hitter in the MLB.

However, Tucker carries something that Soto does not—elite defense and speed. Soto has never been identified for his glove and ranks below average in defensive metrics. Tucker has continuously been rated as an elite defensive outfielder. Over the last three seasons, Tucker has recorded +10 DRS, while Juan Soto has posted negative numbers in that category.

So, does Tucker deserve the “better than Soto” label? That is still up for debate. However, what is clear is that if he makes the All-MLB Team in 2025, it would possibly set him up for a historic payday.

Is Kyle Tucker the Cubs’ cornerstone?

Kyle Tucker’s arrival in Chicago is not just related to 2025—it could be the beginning of something much larger. The team has been looking for a team cornerstone, and Tucker’s elite years make him an ideal candidate. Capable outfielders rarely hit free agency. However, when they do, the cost skyrockets. Just look at Mookie Betts. He signed a 12-year, $365 million extension with the Dodgers. Another instance is Aaron Judge. He landed a nine-year, $360 million deal with the Yankees after testing the market. The Cubs may need to act fast to avoid a bidding war.

The Cubs have the resources to keep Tucker, but their competitive timeline remains uncertain. In 2024, they finished 83–79, narrowly missing the postseason. Their offense ranked 22nd in MLB in runs scored, and their pitching staff ranked 21st in MLB—solid but not elite. The team’s biggest issue? Power hitting. Despite playing half their games in the hitter-friendly Wrigley Field, the Cubs ranked 14th in home runs in MLB. Tucker, who has averaged 31 home runs per 162 games in his career, could immediately change that dynamic.

The Cubs also have vital payroll flexibility. With Cody Bellinger locked in until 2026 and Dansby Swanson signed through 2029, adding Tucker to the mix long-term could give them a formidable offensive core. But if they struggle in 2025, Tucker could become a prime trade deadline target, much like Soto in 2022, when the Nationals moved him to San Diego.

The decision boils down to whether the Cubs think they can contend soon. An early extension could be their best move if they see Tucker as a centerpiece. If not, 2025 could be his only season in Chicago—a stepping stone to a record-setting payday elsewhere. Will Tucker prove the hype right? Can he be the Cubs’ franchise cornerstone or land a historic deal elsewhere? Stay tuned, watch the season unfold, and join the debate—who is truly better, Tucker or Soto?