Following major trades, the Cubs have locked in Kyle Tucker for the future.
The Chicago Cubs made a significant statement this offseason by acquiring Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros in exchange for All-Star Isaac Paredes and top prospect Cam Smith. Smith quickly proved his potential, earning a spot on the Opening Day roster following an impressive spring training. However, with Tucker initially set to enter free agency after the 2025 season, the Cubs faced a crucial decision regarding his long-term future.
USA TODAY Sports’ Bob Nightengale had highlighted the stakes earlier, quoting an MLB executive who emphasized the pressure on Chicago:
“Would you rather have six years of Smith, Paredes, and Bellinger or just one year of Tucker? There’s a lot of pressure on them to keep Tucker now.”
The Cubs answered that pressure by securing Tucker on a lucrative long-term deal, ensuring he remains a cornerstone of the franchise. The urgency surrounding his future had been heightened by Chicago’s other major offseason move—offloading Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees in what was essentially a salary dump. The Cubs also waived Cody Poteet, the lone player they received in return for Bellinger. With these moves, the Cubs’ 2025 season carried significant weight, especially as it coincided with the final year of president Jed Hoyer’s contract.
While many analysts had pegged Chicago as the favorite to win the NL Central, some fans had remained skeptical about whether the team did enough to improve the roster, even with Tucker’s addition. Now, with his long-term future secured, the Cubs can focus on making a serious playoff push, ensuring both stability and competitiveness moving forward.
