Just when the New York Yankees fans started dreaming of Kyle Tucker in pinstripes, the Chicago Cubs poured cold water all over it!

A week earlier, the reports went gaga about how the Cubs have the Yankees peeping over their shoulders for Tucker. And it makes sense for the Yankees to want a star outfielder—given they lost Juan Soto this off-season. Plus, the hurry is understandable, given the market just heated several degrees thanks to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.‘s massive deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.

But that dream for the Yankees might be fading. MLB insider Hector Gomez revealed that the Cubs are already in deep talks with Tucker over an extension.

“SOURCE: Kyle Tucker and the Cubs’ potential contract extension is in the range of 10-11 years and $450-500 million. According to the source, the possible extension will not contain any deferred money or opt-out opportunities with a full no-trade clause.” So, no opt-outs, no deferrals, and no trade clauses. This is a “we are not letting him go” kind of offer.

And it is completely understandable why the Cubs would want Tucker. He has been on a tear! Just last season in 78 games, Tucker managed a stat of .289/.408/.583. He hit 23 home runs and had a 180 wRC+. This year, he is performing just as well too, and as of now, Tucker has hit 23 home runs, 49 RBIs, and 56 runs with a .289 average. The Cubs know that they have a gem on their hands, so they are not waiting for the market to get any hotter.

For the Yankees, this is tough news. Especially once you know the background of how the Yankees did get a chance to clinch Tucker last winter. However, they backed out of the trade because they didn’t want to part ways with Luis Gil. Now that same hesitation might have cost them big time. The Cubs are not just writing a check; they are making a statement. And if they close this deal, the Yankees will be in deep water. Because the outfield market would be thinner with star players already locked in at other teams.

Kyle Tucker not losing sleep over Vladimir Guerrero’s deal with the Jays

Talking of the free-agent market, for the longest time the first baseman market has been dead. Until now, of course, with Vladimir’s massive deal. His half-a-billion deal with the Blue Jays is an unheard-of deal. Of course, this is exciting not just for him, but also for the rest of the players. Think Pete Alonso or Tucker! However, Tucker, when asked about the Vladdy deal, didn’t show much emotion—at least not publicly.

Before the Cubs blanked Texas 7-0, Tucker stated, “I’m sure he loves playing in Toronto. It’s great for him. I mean, everyone’s a little different. Right now, I’m here to play this year. I’m excited to get out again and play tonight, just kind of see where everything goes after that.” He didn’t say exactly how he felt, but safe to say—he would be thrilled.

Vladimir’s deal now ranks as the largest in MLB, right behind Soto’s $765 million with the New York Mets and Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, Tucker didn’t even give a potential timeline of when a potential signing can be expected. “I haven’t thought about it that much. I’m just trying to come out here and play. I just let the other stuff fall where it is and see what happens.” But even Guerrero Jr. said the same when he was entering the season. Here he is now!

The Cubs landed Tucker back in December from Houston. And so far, Tucker has stood up to their expectations. He even earned NL Player of the Week honors. All the more reason for the Cubs to make this deal final, whatever it takes.