BREAKING: Kyle Tucker Rumored to Stay with Cubs in Historic Long-Term Deal, Securing Star Talent for Chicago

The Chicago Cubs have sent shockwaves through the baseball world with rumors swirling that All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker is set to sign a monumental long-term contract, potentially the longest in professional sports history. While official confirmation is still pending, speculation suggests this deal could mirror the structure of the NFL’s longest contracts, with a massive salary designed to lock in Tucker as the cornerstone of the Cubs’ future. If true, this move would cement Chicago’s commitment to building a championship-caliber team around one of baseball’s brightest stars. Here’s everything we know about the rumored deal, its implications for the Cubs, and why it could reshape the franchise’s trajectory.

The Rise of Kyle Tucker: A Star Worth Building Around

Kyle Tucker, a three-time All-Star and former Houston Astros standout, joined the Cubs in a blockbuster trade on December 13, 2024. Acquired for infielder Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski, and top prospect Cam Smith, Tucker immediately became the offensive centerpiece Chicago had been craving. Despite playing only 78 games in 2024 due to a shin injury, Tucker posted an impressive .289/.408/.585 slash line, 23 home runs, and 49 RBIs, earning a 4.7 bWAR. His ability to combine power, plate discipline, and elite defense in right field makes him a rare five-tool player.

At just 28 years old, Tucker is entering his prime, and his track record speaks for itself. Over the past four seasons, he’s averaged 30 home runs, 100 RBIs, and a .280/.362/.527 slash line, with a knack for delivering in high-pressure situations. His 2022 World Series ring with the Astros and consistent postseason appearances only add to his value. For a Cubs team that hasn’t reached the playoffs since 2020, Tucker represents the kind of transformative talent capable of ending their postseason drought.

The Rumored Deal: A Game-Changer for the Cubs

While details remain unconfirmed, rumors suggest Tucker’s potential contract could span 12 years or more, with a total value exceeding $500 million. Some unverified sources have even floated figures as high as $600 million, which would shatter MLB records for non-deferred contracts. If structured similarly to the NFL’s longest deals—such as Patrick Mahomes’ 10-year, $450 million extension with the Kansas City Chiefs—this contract would keep Tucker in Chicago through his age-40 season, ensuring long-term stability in the outfield.

The Cubs’ willingness to offer such a massive deal signals a departure from their historically conservative spending under president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer. Chicago’s largest contract to date remains Jason Heyward’s eight-year, $184 million deal from 2016, a far cry from the half-billion-dollar range being discussed. If the rumors hold true, this investment would reflect a bold new era for the franchise, driven by owner Tom Ricketts’ desire to compete with big-market rivals like the Dodgers, Yankees, and Mets.

Why the Cubs Are Betting Big on Tucker

The Cubs’ motivation to secure Tucker long-term is clear. After trading away significant assets to acquire him, letting him walk as a free agent after the 2025 season would be a devastating blow. Tucker’s one-year, $16.5 million deal for 2025, finalized in January to avoid arbitration, was a stopgap measure. With free agency looming, Chicago faces pressure to lock him up before he hits the open market, where teams like the Phillies, Yankees, and Giants could drive his price even higher.

Tucker’s fit with the Cubs is undeniable. Paired with a talented core featuring Dansby Swanson, Nico Hoerner, and Pete Crow-Armstrong, he provides the offensive firepower Chicago has lacked. His versatility—capable of hitting for average, power, and stealing bases—complements manager Craig Counsell’s balanced lineup. Defensively, Tucker’s 2022 Gold Glove and strong arm make him a perfect anchor in right field alongside Crow-Armstrong in center and Ian Happ in left.

Moreover, Tucker’s presence could elevate the Cubs’ farm system prospects, like Matt Shaw and Owen Caissie, by taking pressure off their development. A long-term commitment would also boost fan morale, signaling that Wrigley Field is once again a destination for elite talent. With the Cubs projected to hover around 83 wins in 2025, Tucker’s impact could push them into the 90-win territory Counsell has targeted.

Challenges and Risks of a Mega-Deal

While the rumored contract is exciting, it’s not without risks. A 12-year deal would carry Tucker into his late 30s, a period when most players see declines in athleticism and production. The Cubs would need to structure the contract with backloaded payments or incentives to mitigate long-term financial strain. Additionally, Chicago’s payroll, which dropped by $60 million this offseason despite adding Tucker, suggests ownership may be hesitant to fully embrace a luxury-tax-busting roster.

There’s also the question of whether Tucker wants to stay. While he’s expressed excitement about playing at Wrigley Field, his camp reportedly sought $17.5 million in arbitration, indicating a hard-nosed approach to negotiations. If Tucker believes he can command a $600 million deal in free agency, he may prefer to test the market rather than commit early.

What This Means for Cubs Fans

For Cubs fans, the prospect of Tucker signing a historic contract is a reason to dream big. Since their 2016 World Series triumph, Chicago has struggled to recapture that magic, cycling through managers and rosters without sustained success. A long-term deal for Tucker would signal a return to contention, giving fans a superstar to rally behind for the next decade.

The timing of the rumor—coinciding with the Cubs’ strong start to the 2025 season—only amplifies the excitement. Tucker’s early performance, including a league-leading bWAR in April, has already made him a fan favorite. If he continues to produce at an MVP level, the pressure to extend him will intensify, and fans will expect Hoyer to deliver.

The Bigger Picture: MLB’s Evolving Financial Landscape

Tucker’s rumored deal reflects broader trends in baseball’s financial landscape. With Juan Soto’s 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets setting a new benchmark, top-tier players are commanding unprecedented sums. Tucker, often compared to Soto for his all-around excellence, could reset the market for outfielders. If the Cubs pull off this deal, they’ll join the ranks of big-spending franchises willing to invest heavily in long-term talent.

The comparison to NFL contracts, while imperfect, underscores the growing overlap between sports leagues in how they structure mega-deals. Like Mahomes or Lamar Jackson in football, Tucker’s contract would prioritize security and longevity, betting on his ability to remain a star well into his 30s. For MLB, where guaranteed contracts are the norm, this approach could become a model for locking in young talent.

What’s Next for Tucker and the Cubs?

As of April 8, 2025, no official announcement has confirmed Tucker’s extension. The Cubs are likely in ongoing discussions with Tucker’s representatives at Excel Sports Management, balancing the need to act quickly with the risk of overpaying. If a deal is finalized, expect a press conference at Wrigley Field, with Tucker donning a Cubs jersey and pledging his future to Chicago.

In the meantime, Cubs fans should savor Tucker’s 2025 season, which promises to be a showcase of his elite skills. Whether he signs for 12 years or tests free agency, his impact on the field will be undeniable. For now, the rumor of a historic contract has ignited hope that the Cubs are ready to reclaim their place among baseball’s elite.

Conclusion

The rumor of Kyle Tucker signing a long-term, NFL-style contract with the Chicago Cubs is a tantalizing prospect for fans and a potential turning point for the franchise. While details remain speculative, the possibility of securing a player of Tucker’s caliber for over a decade would reshape the Cubs’ future, signaling a bold commitment to winning. As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Tucker and the Cubs’ front office, waiting to see if this blockbuster deal becomes reality. For now, Chicago can dream of = of a superstar staying in the Windy City for years to come.