On a chilly December afternoon, Cubs fans rejoiced as the front office pulled off one of the offseason’s biggest surprises—landing All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros. Wrigleyville buzzed with hope. Finally, the Cubs had added a cornerstone bat to a lineup desperate for star power. Fast forward to April, and the excitement has twisted into unease.

A source close to the situation, when asked about the chances of an in-season extension, responded with biting clarity: “Is there a number below zero?” That blunt quote hit like a fastball to the ribs for a fanbase that had just begun to believe.

Despite a smooth arbitration settlement at $16.5 million for 2025, all signs point to Tucker testing the free-agent market this winter. And who can blame him? After watching Juan Soto secure a jaw-dropping $765 million deal with the Mets, Kyle Tucker’s camp knows what the open market can deliver. At just 28, Tucker is in his prime—his sweet left-handed swing, Gold Glove-caliber defense, and consistent power production make him one of the game’s most valuable assets.

The Cubs knew what they were getting into when they acquired him: a one-year swing at contention with the slimmest sliver of hope for a long-term pact. That sliver? It’s vanished.

Let’s not sugarcoat it—this is a risky play. Jed Hoyer and company gave up multiple prospects for what now looks increasingly like a rental. Sure, if the Cubs contend deep into October and Kyle Tucker plays a central role, the trade might be justified. But if Chicago stumbles by midseason, the front office will face a brutally tough decision: extend a near-impossible offer or flip Tucker at the deadline.

And that’s where things get uncomfortable.

For now, the clock ticks. And with every home run Kyle Tucker hits in a Cubs uniform, the price tag inches higher, and the chances of keeping him grow fainter. Cubs fans, buckle up. This ride might be shorter and bumpier than anyone hoped.

What can the Cubs do to recover from the Kyle Tucker gamble?

“I’m excited for the opportunity with the Cubs. Right now, I’m just looking forward to getting to work with my new teammates,” stated Tucker after the trade to Chicago last year. But here we are, Kyle Tucker may be a one-season rental, and the Cubs must act like it. They can’t afford to play the waiting game, it’s a gamble that could backfire hard. If Jed Hoyer and company are serious about salvaging this situation, they must start preparing for both best- and worst-case scenarios. That means two paths: go all-in and build a legit contender around Tucker, or get ready to pivot before the trade deadline hits like a brick wall.

If the Cubs start to slip in the standings by midseason, trading Tucker could soften the blow. Contenders like the Dodgers, Yankees, or Mariners would line up for a bat like his, and the return could be significant, MLB-ready prospects or controllable young arms. And if they do push for contention? Then it’s time to cash in some trade chips of their own. Names like Ian Happ or even Nico Hoerner could be moved to acquire pitching depth or a rental bat to reinforce the playoff push.

No matter the direction, the front office can’t afford to sit on its hands. This is a moment that demands action, not just vibes. Now, would ownership greenlight a record-breaking extension that blows past their usual spending philosophy? Or will they cling to contention, knowing they could lose Kyle Tucker for nothing? That’s to see.