Jed Hoyer and the Chicago Cubs got very aggressive during the MLB offseason, pulling off a blockbuster trade for superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker. It was a move that made the team a strong contender for the 2025 season.
In order to acquire Tucker, the Cubs had to give up one of their top prospects. Cam Smith was the centerpiece of the return for the Houston Astros. He has put together a strong Major League season thus far.
Giving up a player like Smith was a tough decision for Chicago. Add in the fact that Tucker is in a contract year and the move looks even more risky.
Fans have had questions all year long about whether or not the Cubs will be able to re-sign Tucker. The answer to that question is still unknown. That being said, Hoyer sent a strong message about Tucker’s future recently.
Chicago Cubs’ Jed Hoyer Drops Strong Message About Kyle Tucker’s Future
As shared by The Athletic, Hoyer knows how important Tucker is to what Chicago has done this season. He spoke out about the impact that Tucker has had and about how that will factor into the Cubs’ decision about a potential new contract for the outfielder.
“Obviously, he’s had a huge impact on our offense. He’s been terrific. Having him on base all the time and watching the quality of his at-bats has really had a huge impact,” Hoyer said.
“He’s just a great all-around player that has really benefitted us in so many ways. Clearly, this has been a really impressive position-playing group so far, and he’s a big part of that. Obviously, that’s going to factor into our calculus.”
Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesDoes that quote mean that Chicago will pay up to keep Tucker? No, it does not. While fans are hoping to see that be the case, the Cubs have a long track record of not spending huge money to keep or sign superstars.
That could change, but a track record is an important thing in situations such as this one.
Throughout the course of the 2025 MLB season thus far, Tucker has played in 93 games. He has hit 17 home runs to go along with 55 RBI’s, while batting .284/.386/.507.
At just 28 years old, Tucker could be the piece Chicago builds around for years to come. He has a long time left in his prime and it would be wise for the Cubs to do whatever it takes to make the rest of his prime come in their organization.
Only time will tell if Hoyer and company are prepared to spend what it will take to make that happen. Plenty of other teams around the league would love to have a chance to sign Tucker this offseason. It will be interesting to see if Chicago stays aggressive and gets a new deal done with him.
