Now several teams have shaken things up this off-season from unexpected signings, to letting go of their major stars. But so have the Chicago Cubs, and they have made some bold moves. First, they bid farewell to their long-time star, Cody Bellinger—they traded him to the New York Yankees. Then came time to make a splash, and they did by getting All-Star Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros in December. It was a stellar trade, sending Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski, and Cam Smith to Houston. But let’s rewind.

Things really would have gone haywire. Kyle Tucker’s salary negotiations turned into a rollercoaster ride that left Cubs fans in a chokehold. Kyle Tucker and his team actually had filed for $17.5 million in arbitration. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs were unwilling to go beyond the $15 million threshold. A $2.5 million difference laid a massive threat to derail anything. 

And for weeks, it looked like the ugly arbitration hearing was upcoming. And fans were confused because for a team that freed up so much money by trading Bellinger, what was the holdup? Why play hardball with a star they need in the roster? 

Well, finally the team agreed to an in-between deal of $16.5 million. Kyle Tucker was there for the Cubs Convention, and there the team did something rather special for him. During Kyle Tucker’s first public appearance in Chicago, he was introduced by the club. Then, because it was Tucker’s 28th birthday, the team sang, “Happy Birthday” for him. 

Well, Kyle Tucker couldn’t control his smile, and he waved to his supporters. From a point of arbitration gone bad for Tucker, to this warm welcome in a new town—it’s surely come a long way for the Chicago Cubs. However, it seems like for them, the road ahead is not going to be simple, because the fans are demanding more. They want a longer contract!

Chicago Cubs fan want a contract extension for Kyle Tucker

A gush of “phew” was expected as a fan thanked the lord for everything that had gone in the Chicago Cubs’ favor. However, it was quite surprising that the Cubs would even delay or try to get the deal lower given they have $25 million freed from the Bellinger trade. This had many fans scratching their heads. But for now, the entire team, including Tucker, is looking forward to making a powerful impression this season. Tucker said, “We should expect to make the playoffs and make a run at the World Series. I don’t think you should go into a season not expecting that.” 

One die-hard user, while being relieved, just wanted the team now to work on a long-term deal with Tucker. They just agreed for the 2025 year, so Cubs fans feeling insecure seems understandable. Tucker is a stellar player afterall—like in the last season, even though he played for 78 games because of a fracture, his play was barely affected. His slash line of .289/.408/.585 and 23 homers and 49 RBIs speaks to his merit. Signing a short-term deal, comes with a risk. 

A quick suggestion by a user to get Alex, aka Alex Bregman, has come. And it’s not surprising; the Cubs could make use of a player like Bregman. Sure he won’t come for a bargain, but almost all teams that had the $200 million would have signed him. The Houston Astros are playing a game of chicken with Alex Bregman, and if the Cubs want to get back and competitive, Bregman could help. The Score reported that the Cubs did enter the bidding to see if they could get Bregman on a short-term deal. And Bregman and Tucker together can be a winning formula! 

One Cubs fan was relieved but urged the Cubs to sign him on an extension. A 6-year and $250 million is what he suggests, and it is understandable. Because Tucker, as a player, is a desirable catch in the market. In the last four years, he has put up 21.2 bWAR and has hit 112 homers and 115 doubles, 248 walks, and 80 stolen bases. Plus, during that time he has earned a Gold Glove and was placed fifth in AL MVP voting in 2023. He goes free agent after next season unless the team gives him an extension.

Not every fan is hopeful, though, and a user commented on how Tucker would look good in Dodger Blue. Well, part of this lack of confidence is the fact that losing key players isn’t new to them. The latest is Cody Bellinger, who was signed on a short-term deal too. And so what happened? He had to be traded to the New York Yankees. So several fans, even though now Tucker is with the Cubs, don’t think he will remain longer since he signed for just a year.

Do you think an extension is possible with Kyle Tucker and the Chicago Cubs? Let us know in the comments.