So much for those Kyle Tucker extension rumors, huh? A few weeks ago Mike Rodriguez and Hector Gomez floated separate, but connected reports that indicated the Cubs were having active extension talks with their star right fielder. Gomez even reported specific contract figures. However, another insider has pretty much killed those rumors.
I think even the most optimistic Cubs fans were still on the cautious side when speculating on the extension rumors. It was more wishful thinking than anything else, but you obviously love if the Cubs were in fact trying to hammer out a deal with Tucker.
I mean, you have to imagine that those talks will happen between the front office and Tucker's camp this year, but those conversations just have not occurred yet according to Robert Murray's sources.
Here's what Murray cited in his latest article about Tucker.
Besides, Tucker and the Cubs are not talking about an extension, according to sources with knowledge of the situation. Perhaps the sides do this summer, as Jon Heyman of the New York Post suggested. But all signs point toward Tucker reaching free agency.
I think that's pretty much the consensus around the league at this point. Unless the Cubs blow away Tucker with an offer before the end of the season he'll test free agency and will get paid even more.
For his part, Tucker has certainly proven his worth early on with the Cubs. Through 24 games this season Tucker is slashing .302/.404/.615, with 6 home runs, 23 RBI and 22 runs scored. Tucker's 1.3 fWAR is currently tied for 6th best in MLB.
I do want to note and you'll see it below, but ESPN' Jesse Rogers was also refuting those extension talk rumors when they initially surfaced earlier in April.
(Previous Update)
So, are the Cubs actually in extension talks with Kyle Tucker? Well, it depends on who you ask and how hopeful you want to be. On the optimistic part, those contract negotiations have actually escalated during the past week. If you think Tom Ricketts will remain a fraud and not spend what it takes to keep star players, then you'll believe in Jesse Rogers.
Last week the Toronto Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. agreed to a $500 million contract extension. The 14-year deal for Guerrero Jr. immediately spurred into speculation about Tucker's future. Tucker, 28, is headed towards free agency following the 2025 season and you would think the Cubs would do everything they could to try and keep him on the north side of Chicago for the rest of his career.
Then, a few days after the Blue Jays extension was made official Cubs fans were suddenly thrown a bone by Mike Rodriguez.
According to my sources, the #Cubs and #KyleTucker are already discussing a possible contract extension. Let's see what happens with that! #Cubs #Chicago pic.twitter.com/iVO4TZ2xcq
— Mike Rodriguez (@mikedeportes) April 11, 2025
Nothing personal against Mike Rodriguez, but his track record reporting on huge MLB contract rumors can get weirdly spotty. He's nailed some things, including being the first to report that the Blue Jays and Guerrero Jr. were close to an agreement a few days before that $500 million contract extension was done.
Back in February, Rodriguez also reported Geraldo Perdomo's contract extension before anyone else.
But then there was a second report a few days after Rodriguez's initial mention of contract talks and this time it was a lot more specific from Hector Gomez. Again, another reporter who has certainly gotten things correct, but doesn't necessarily have a 100% hit-rate.
Anyway, here's what Gomez reported on Saturday.
SOURCE: Kyle Tucker and the Cubs' potential contract extension is in the range of 10-11 years and $450-500 million. According to the source, the possible extension will not contain any deferred money or opt-out opportunities with a full no-trade clause.
OK! Encouraging, right?!
That's when ESPN's Jesse Rogers stood by his refutal from Friday. So, let's take a step back. The Rodriguez report spread like wildfire on social media and on Friday Rogers was on ESPN 1000 and during his segment the baseball reporter threw cold water on the extension talks with Tucker.
Jesse Rogers on ESPN 1000 says the Cubs and Kyle Tucker are not yet talking about an extension. They are likely to go to him at SOME point, after giving him time to fall in love with Chicago. Doesn't mean they'll sign him.
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) April 11, 2025
Rodriguez fired back and stood firm on his report.
Here we go, the same thing that happened with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., saying last Friday that Toronto and Vladimir were very close to closing a $500M extension. The next day, Saturday, they asked Vladimir and he said that it was a lie. The next day, Sunday, Passan published it. 😂… https://t.co/fhZ4xzySSH
— Mike Rodriguez (@mikedeportes) April 11, 2025
Then, on Saturday Rogers stood by his report after Gomez's detailed post about the numbers being thrown around between the Cubs and Tucker.
I stand by my reporting on Friday. No mailce towards anyone. And yes guess we’ll see soon enough
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) April 13, 2025
And again on Sunday.
Rass, I don't get any pleasure from reporting bad news. But news is news. And trust me on this one too, Tucker is not signing anytime soon nor are there any talks/negotiaitons. So don't get your hopes up. I'll be first to scream if there is. Would be great for Chicago! Be well.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) April 13, 2025
But we're done with the rumors because after the Cubs beat the Dodgers 4-2 on Sunday Night Baseball, we got one more report regarding Tucker and extension talks.
Via Jacob Zanolla on Cubs Insider.
Sources have informed CI that contract discussions have indeed taken place, although nothing is imminent.
Whatever the reality actually is the only thing that matters is that the Cubs eventually retain Kyle Tucker. If they don't, it will be another giant mistake by ownership and arguably the biggest blunder by the Ricketts running the Cubs in regards to player personnel.
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