Kyle Tucker is a franchise-caliber player with rare talent and elite upside. The question isn’t whether he deserves a massive payday—it’s who will pay it
As the trade deadline approaches, and the Cubs weigh their options, one thing is clear—Tucker’s future will have a ripple effect across the entire league.
With the Cubs caught between contention and caution, Tucker’s journey could define the 2025 season. Whether it ends in Chicago or somewhere new, his next contract may well become the standard by which future superstars are measured.
Monday’s 3-1 win over the Rockies wasn’t a blowout or a fireworks show—it was a disciplined, well-played baseball game. The kind of win that good teams consistently put together.
From Kyle Tucker’s timely RBIs to Jameson Taillon’s composed performance on the mound and Palencia’s electric save, the Cubs are proving that they are more than a feel-good story—they are a team to be taken seriously in the National League.
As the season rolls on, expect the Cubs to keep pushing, keep grinding, and keep chasing October dreams. After all, as Tucker put it, this team isn’t made of puppies—they’re DAWGS.
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Table of Contents
Kyle Tucker: The Catalyst Behind the Cubs’ Success
While the Cubs’ team effort deserves credit, the contribution of Kyle Tucker cannot be overstated.1
Acquired as a key midseason addition, Tucker has not only bolstered the Cubs’ outfield but has become an integral part of the batting lineup.
He currently holds a .280 batting average, with 12 home runs, 15 stolen bases, and 39 RBIs. Tucker has seamlessly transitioned into the Cubs’ system and is showing leadership both on and off the field.
On Monday, he was again in the spotlight, driving in two of the Cubs’ three runs, one with a clutch RBI single and another with a sacrifice fly.
Tucker encapsulated the Cubs’ grit and competitive mindset with a social media post after the game, stating:
“We ain’t no puppies. We some DAWGS 🐶”
The message reflects the new identity the Cubs are embracing—confident, hungry, and unafraid of any opponent.
I am excited to announce the launch of the Kyle Tucker Foundation today. I decided to dedicate my foundation to Hospice after the passing of my grandfather. Hospice is a type of healthcare that focuses on pain and symptom management at the end of life. It also provides emotional
— Kyle Tucker (@KTuck30) January 19, 2022
Jameson Taillon’s Masterful Outing
On the mound, Jameson Taillon once again proved why he is the ace of this rejuvenated Cubs rotation. He pitched 6.1 innings of commanding baseball, allowing just one earned run on four hits while striking out five.
His performance was crucial in neutralizing a Colorado offense that had recently found some rhythm.
Taillon’s ability to change speeds and stay ahead in counts has made him a reliable starter this season. The veteran pitcher has quietly been one of the unsung heroes of the Cubs’ success, keeping games close and giving the offense opportunities to win.
The Opening Frame: Setting the Tone Early
The Cubs wasted no time in applying pressure. In the bottom of the first inning, Dansby Swanson grounded out but managed to bring a run home, giving Chicago an early 1-0 lead.
Early runs have been a key trend during this winning stretch for the Cubs, allowing their pitchers to work with a cushion.
Despite a relatively quiet offensive game, the Cubs executed when it mattered—especially in situational hitting.
The Rockies tied the game with a solo home run by Micky Moniak in the fifth inning, but the Cubs answered back quickly.
The Chicago Cubs are beginning to look like serious contenders in the National League. With their 3-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Monday at Wrigley Field, the Cubs extended their strong run, improving their season record to 33-21.
They’ve now won eight of their last 10 games, showcasing a well-rounded combination of offense, defense, and strong pitching.
Kyle Tucker: Strikes in the Fifth and Seventh
Kyle Tucker’s bat came alive just when the Cubs needed it. In the bottom of the fifth, following Moniak’s game-tying homer, Tucker delivered an RBI single to restore the lead.2
This was a moment that showcased his clutch hitting and sense of timing.
Later in the seventh, he struck again—this time with a sacrifice fly that brought in another run, widening the lead to 3-1. Though the Cubs weren’t lighting up the scoreboard, Tucker’s ability to produce in critical moments was the difference-maker.
Carson Palmquist Shows Promise in Defeat
Colorado Rockies starter Carson Palmquist, though on the losing end, showed promise. The lefty pitched five innings, giving up just three hits and two earned runs.
It was a solid outing from a young arm still finding his footing in the majors. However, he was outdueled by Taillon, and the Rockies’ offense failed to provide enough support.
Palmquist’s control and mound presence were noticeable, and though he took the loss, he demonstrated why Colorado has high hopes for him.
Bullpen Battle: Cubs Pen Locks It Down
After Taillon exited in the seventh, the Cubs bullpen took over and didn’t miss a beat. Julian Merryweather and Mark Leiter Jr. kept the Rockies in check, setting the stage for closer Daniel Palencia.
Palencia delivered the final blow in emphatic fashion. Facing Micky Moniak with two outs in the ninth, Palencia fired a 100-mph fastball past the Rockies slugger to end the game.
It was Palencia’s fifth save of the season and another example of his growing role as the Cubs’ reliable closer.
A Division Lead and Playoff Aspirations
With the win, the Cubs maintained their lead atop the NL Central with a 3.0-game cushion. This marks a stark contrast from last season, when the team fell short of postseason play.
A mix of veteran leadership, emerging talent, and strategic acquisitions has fueled Chicago’s turnaround.
The NL Central is competitive, with teams like the Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds in pursuit, but the Cubs currently have momentum on their side.
With continued consistency, they could solidify their postseason position well before the final stretch of the season.
Kyle Tucker: Fan Support Reignites Wrigley Energy
Another vital component to this Cubs resurgence is the fan base. Wrigley Field has always been a special place for baseball, and the current energy in the ballpark feels like a throwback to the 2015–2016 days when the Cubs were postseason staples.3
The fans are believing again—and with good reason. The product on the field is delivering, and the camaraderie among the players is evident in their celebrations, chemistry, and swagger.
Tough Opponents Await
As the Cubs continue their series against Colorado, they must maintain their level of play. Following the Rockies, they face a stretch of games against playoff-caliber teams, including series against the Phillies and Braves.
These matchups will serve as a litmus test for just how good this Cubs team can be.
Consistency from the starting rotation, timely hitting from stars like Tucker, and effective bullpen work will be the pillars of continued success.
Cubs’ New Identity: Grit, Power, and Speed
This version of the Cubs is unlike the rebuild squads of years past. They play with urgency, hustle, and a chip on their shoulder.
The arrival of players like Kyle Tucker has infused the lineup with power and speed. His 15 stolen bases are evidence of a more aggressive baserunning philosophy.
In addition, the team’s defense has been rock-solid. Swanson and Nico Hoerner provide elite glove work up the middle, while the outfield—led by Tucker—combines range with strong throwing arms.
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MLB Analysts Share Thoughts on Kyle Tucker’s Future
The Blockbuster Trade That Started It All
The baseball world was stunned when the Houston Astros traded star outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs before the start of the season.
Tucker, a key player in Houston’s offensive arsenal, had developed into one of the league’s most consistent and dangerous hitters.
While the Astros made the move with future payroll flexibility in mind, it was a clear signal that they couldn’t envision a long-term financial commitment to the 27-year-old All-Star under current circumstances.
Astros fans, while disheartened, understood the business side of the decision. With salaries ballooning across Major League Baseball, Houston decided to cash in while Tucker’s value was at its peak.
The Cubs, on the other hand, saw it as a golden opportunity to land a franchise-altering bat. But will this be a long-term marriage—or a temporary arrangement?
The $600 Million Man?
Kyle Tucker’s offensive upside is undeniable. Through the first half of the current season, he has continued to perform at an elite level, reaffirming his value as a potential $600 million man in free agency.
MLB analyst Jim Bowden noted that, “Following Juan Soto’s record-setting $765 million deal in free agency and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s $500 million extension, Tucker is expected to land a nine-figure contract that starts with a 6.”
Tucker’s projected value isn’t just based on numbers—though his numbers are stellar. It’s about positional scarcity, defensive capability, and the overall trend of skyrocketing contracts in MLB.
Teams that want to build a winner around a durable, five-tool player must now be willing to spend like never before.
Kyle Tucker: Promotion
Kyle Tucker tied up in a partnership with drinking water brand Saratoga Spring Water and promoting on his instagram account.
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The Cubs’ Gamble: Long-Term Gain or Short-Term Play?
When Chicago traded for Kyle Tucker, they didn’t just acquire an elite bat—they made a statement. The Cubs are clearly looking to contend in the near future.
But the looming question is whether they can—and will—shell out $600 million or more to keep Tucker long-term.
According to many analysts, including Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller, the answer might be no.
Miller labeled the Cubs a potential “panic trade” candidate. Essentially, if the Cubs don’t believe they can retain Tucker once he hits free agency, they could opt to trade him again at the deadline to recoup top-tier prospects.
It would be a shrewd—though possibly unpopular—move among fans hoping for a deep playoff run.
Comparisons to Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Tucker’s market value is being shaped in part by recent mega-deals. Juan Soto’s $765 million free agent deal shattered previous expectations and redefined the upper ceiling of player contracts.
Similarly, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s $500 million extension gave a clear floor to what elite hitters can expect.
Tucker falls somewhere between the two. He may not have Soto’s generational bat-to-ball skills, but he is more than a complementary slugger. His value is enhanced by his elite defense, baserunning, and positional versatility.
In short, Tucker is the kind of player you build a team around—and teams will pay accordingly.
Kyle Tucker’s Own Perspective
Though Tucker has remained mostly quiet publicly, sources close to the player suggest he’s focused on winning.
He’s not opposed to signing long-term but wants to be with a contender and in a city where he can build a legacy.
Chicago may check those boxes—but only if ownership steps up financially.
Tucker’s camp is reportedly in no rush to discuss extensions until after the season. This leaves the Cubs in a precarious spot—especially if other teams begin making aggressive trade offers.
What Happens If the Cubs Keep Him?
If the Cubs decide to keep Tucker through the deadline, they’ll need to make an all-out push for the postseason. Anything less would be a major disappointment and a waste of value.
The best-case scenario is that Tucker helps lead a deep playoff run, convincing ownership to invest in a long-term extension.
But the risk remains. If the Cubs falter and Tucker walks in free agency, they’ll be left with no compensation—just memories of what could have been.
What’s Next for Kyle Tucker?
The baseball world is watching. Kyle Tucker represents more than just elite production—he embodies the future of free agency, where $600 million deals are no longer unimaginable.
Whether the Cubs make a franchise-altering commitment or flip him for top-tier prospects, one thing is certain: Kyle Tucker’s next move will shape the trajectory of multiple MLB franchises.
For now, fans can only speculate. Will he stay in Chicago and become a North Side legend? Or will he be the centerpiece of another summer blockbuster trade? Whatever happens, Kyle Tucker is at the heart of MLB’s biggest storylines in 2025.
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