Kyle Tucker is open to contract extension talks with the Cubs: 'I don't think I could've gone to a much better organization'
(670 The Score) New Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker is open to having contract extension discussions with his new club, a storyline that will loom over his final season before free agency.
"I'm always open to talks to see where it leads," Tucker said Tuesday on a Zoom call with reporters. "Always open to that. You never know what the future's going to hold.
"Definitely, Chicago's a great city to play in – great city just in general. I'm opening for anything."
The 27-year-old Tucker was acquired by the Cubs last Friday in a trade that sent third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski and prized third base prospect Cam Smith back to the Astros. Tucker is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season, and most around MLB expect that he'll hit the open market rather than sign an extension before then.
Tucker has been an All-Star in each of the past three seasons. He hit .289 with 23 homers and a .993 OPS in 78 games in 2024, when he was sidelined for a long stretch by a shin fracture. In his Astros tenure, Tucker earned a Gold Glove, won a Silver Slugger award and helped Houston to a World Series title in 2022.
If Tucker hits free agency next offseason, he'd be one of the best players available. While much can change still, many around the industry have speculated Tucker's next contract will approach or surpass $400 million after superstar outfielder Juan Soto signed a historic 15-year, $765-million deal with the Mets recently.
In joining a Cubs team that's coming off back-to-back 83-win seasons, Tucker sees the potential for plenty of success.
"If we can all just get on the same page, everyone kind of does their own job, everyone is supportive and pushing each other to get better, I think this team can go as far as we want, really" Tucker said. "I'm just here to do my part, try to contribute to that and try to do as much as I can to move everyone forward.
"I don't think I could've gone to a much better organization than the Cubs."
Tucker has hit .274 with 125 home runs and 417 RBIs over 633 games in seven MLB seasons.
