The Chicago Cubs are facing a huge turning point – not on the field, but as the free agency season opens. According to Newsweek, many experts predict superstar Kyle Tucker will leave the team to sign a massive 11-year contract worth up to $440 million. This is an “unbelievable” number compared to the Cubs’ recruiting history – and if this comes true, both the organization and the fans will be deeply affected.
Tucker, who was brought in by the Cubs from the Houston Astros in a shocking deal, has become the center of an extremely competitive auction. Although the Cubs are a much smaller team than the Yankees, Dodgers or Blue Jays, they are being forced to pay a high price if they want to keep this young star.
Newsweek pundit Zach Mentz believes Tucker could “steal the market” with an 11-year, $440 million contract. Mentz describes Tucker as “the crown jewel of this year’s free agency,” with his left-handed hitting, speed, defense, and all-around range.
What makes this prediction even more shocking is that the Cubs have never signed a free agent over $200 million.
If they decide to spend $440 million, it would be the biggest jump in the history of the organization.
But if the Cubs refuse or are unable to meet the offer, there are plenty of other “giants” waiting in the wings. According to Newsweek, the Yankees, Dodgers, and Blue Jays are among the top contenders to sign Tucker.
With MLB spending on the rise, Tucker is widely expected to be a “big shark” in free agency this time around.
Another, even more “hot” scenario comes from analysts like Mike Axisa (CBS Sports): he predicts Tucker will land a 12-year contract worth over $450 million – a figure that could change the entire balance of power in baseball.
If that happens, the Cubs will not only lose Tucker, but also miss out on a historic opportunity to retain a star.
However, not everyone agrees with such a “over $400 million” figure. A more modest prediction – like from Tim Britton (The Athletic) – suggests that Tucker will sign a 12-year contract but “only” around $460 million, based on comparisons with recent mega-contracts like Juan Soto or Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Newsweek even published a story about a 10-year, $427 million contract scenario for Tucker.
The big question for the Cubs is: are they willing to bet that much to keep Tucker? If they do, it would be a major shift in the organization’s power dynamics—from a moderate spender to a more competitive one. But if they back down, Tucker could very well be looking for a “bigger landing”—leaving the Cubs with nothing but regret.
With the recent projections—ranging from $360 million, to $427 million, to $440 million and even $460 million—this is certainly one of the most significant free agency windows in Cubs history. Each number suggests a different scenario: keep the “golden boy” Tucker by breaking the record? Or lose him to a big name?
While Cubs fans wait, one thing is clear: this winter will decide the future of the team—and Kyle Tucker could be the name that reshapes Chicago’s fortunes.
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