There isn't a bigger decision that the Chicago Cubs have to make over the next few months than keeping Kyle Tucker in town. Every Cubs fan wants the team to sign him to a massive deal, but there are more factors to consider than just extending Tucker.
In his first 38 games in a Cubs uniform, Tucker has proven to be among the elite of the elite in Major League Baseball once again. He currently has nine home runs, eight doubles, 31 RBI, 10 stolen bases, and more walks than strikeouts. He's incredible offensively, and his defense continues to get better.
However, with a potential $500 million deal, the Cubs have to make sure that they're willing to give him that and ensure that the rest of the roster will be competent enough to compete for a World Series.
The last thing Chicago wants is to sign its star player to a massive deal and not hand out other contracts. It wouldn't make much sense to give Tucker this type of money if the plant isn't going all in.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, while there are other factors to consider, he noted that Tucker is willing to talk about a contract, perhaps the best news the Cubs could receive. in-season
“Tucker, it seems like he’s willing to talk in-season, so that is a great sign to get something done,” Heyman said. “I had a rival executive tell me they got to put the $500 million in front of him, they’re not going to do that, that’s not the Cubs. He wants to be here, let’s get it done.”
For somebody of Tucker's caliber, negotiating in season might not make much sense. He understands that when the offseason comes around, he'll be the top player available, which could allow other teams to get into a bidding war.
However, $500 million is $500 million. If the Cubs put that in front of his face, there's a good chance he might take it.
