CHICAGO – Breaking news is coming from the Chicago Cubs’ streets: star outfielder Kyle Tucker is expected to make history by signing a 10-year contract worth between $350 and $400 million when he enters the free agency market this winter. If confirmed, it would be one of the biggest deals for anyone other than a pitcher – making Tucker one of the highest-paid “industry commodities” in history.
After just one promising 2025 season, the team suffered a huge loss when they were eliminated from the NLDS by the Milwaukee Brewers and had to watch the 28-year-old star hit the open market. Tucker is expected to be the fifth-highest paid player in history if the deal goes through.
Why is he worth this “super” amount?
Consistency: Even playing through injuries in the second half of the season, Tucker still posted a WAR of around 4.5 and had his third 20/20 season (20 home runs, 20 stolen bases) in his career.
Ideal age: 28, this is the super-peak stage for an outside hitter – ensuring he will maintain his peak performance for at least 7–8 years.
Commercial potential: Nicknamed “King Tuck,” he helped the Cubs return to the playoffs in five years, helping the brand increase jersey, ticket and advertising revenue.
Many experts say this amount is “unavoidable” when compared to the AAV of superstar contracts like Juan Soto ($51 million/year), Aaron Judge ($40 million/year) or Mike Trout ($35.5 million/year). Tucker is being chased by several teams willing to break the bank to acquire him – including the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets.
Since signing Jason Heyward to an 8-year, $184 million contract in 2015 (one of the worst contracts in MLB history), the Cubs have been very cautious about making big deals. This time, they are in a “want but not sure can” position, making it harder than ever to retain Tucker. Team president Tom Ricketts has put a lot of pressure on management to “not miss the opportunity to build a brand for a decade.”
The Uproar Scenario Ahead:
Stay in Chicago if the club agrees to spend $350–400 million.
Chase for a “hundred million dollar” contract with the Yankees or Dodgers.
Shock with a record 10-year salary – $400 million from the Phillies – breaking the previous limit.
One thing is clear: this 2025 MLB winter is about to witness the “greatest superstar war in free agency history,” with the potential to turn Kyle Tucker into the face of the league for the next decade — just like Shohei Ohtani or Bryce Harper did with their revolutionary contracts.
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