Kyle Tucker Signs Three-Year Extension with Cubs After Rejecting Tigers’ Offer

Chicago, IL – On June 1, 2025, Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker signed a three-year, $72 million contract extension, securing his future with the team through 2028. The deal, finalized after Tucker rejected a reported offer from the Detroit Tigers, marks a pivotal moment for the Cubs, who acquired the three-time All-Star from the Houston Astros in a blockbuster trade in December 2024. Tucker’s decision to stay in Chicago has electrified fans and raised expectations for a postseason run, but what drove this choice, and what does it mean for the Cubs’ future?

Tucker, 28, has been a revelation since joining the Cubs. In 2025, he’s slashing .320/.420/.650, leading MLB with 24 runs and 25 RBIs as of May 31, per Sporting News. His Gold Glove defense in right field and 2023 Silver Slugger Award make him a cornerstone player. The Cubs traded infielder Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski, and top prospect Cam Smith to land Tucker, a move criticized for its risk given his impending free agency in 2026. However, this extension validates president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer’s bold strategy.

The Tigers’ offer, rumored to be a four-year, $92 million deal, was substantial but didn’t sway Tucker. Sources indicate Tucker valued the Cubs’ vision, Wrigley Field’s hitter-friendly environment, and the chance to be the face of a storied franchise. “Chicago feels like home,” Tucker said in a press conference. “I’m excited to build something special here.” The Cubs’ offer, with an annual average value of $24 million, aligns with market trends for elite outfielders, falling below projections of a $350 million-plus free-agent deal but securing Tucker through his prime years.

Tucker’s 2024 season with the Astros—where he hit .284 with 29 homers, 112 RBIs, and 30 stolen bases—earned him fifth in AL MVP voting. His 2022 World Series ring and 64 playoff games add veteran savvy to a Cubs team absent from October since 2020. In Chicago, Tucker’s 18.3 career WAR (per Baseball-Reference) and .849 OPS complement a lineup featuring Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki, creating a formidable trio. Manager Craig Counsell praised Tucker’s all-around game: “He’s a difference-maker. This deal keeps our core intact.”

The extension wasn’t without hurdles. MLB.com reported in April 2025 that extension talks were uncertain, with executives doubting an in-season deal due to Tucker’s proximity to free agency. The Athletic noted the Cubs’ conservative payroll, $30 million below the $241 million luxury-tax threshold, limited their flexibility. Yet, Hoyer’s persistence paid off, leveraging Tucker’s desire to avoid free-agency uncertainty. The three-year term, shorter than typical megadeals, balances risk for both sides, especially after Tucker’s rejection of longer offers from Detroit and earlier Astros proposals.

For Detroit, missing out on Tucker stings. The Tigers, fresh off signing Alex Bregman to a six-year, $171 million deal, saw Tucker as the final piece for a playoff push. Their 39-36 record mirrors the Cubs’, but Tucker’s addition could have elevated their outfield alongside Riley Greene. Instead, Cubs fans are celebrating, with social media buzzing about “King Tuck” leading a new era at Wrigley.

The deal’s implications are massive. Tucker’s presence boosts the Cubs’ 2025 playoff odds, projected at 62% by FanGraphs, and signals Hoyer’s shift from a transactional approach to building a sustainable contender. However, the short-term contract means Tucker could still hit free agency at 31, potentially commanding a $400 million deal if he maintains his elite production. For now, the Cubs avoid the “all-time terrible trade” label one NL executive warned of if Tucker left after one year.

As Tucker prepares to face the Reds on June 1, his focus is clear: “I’m here to win games and bring a championship to Chicago.” With 87 games left, his bat, glove, and leadership will be critical. The Cubs’ gamble on Tucker has paid off—for now. Whether this extension becomes a stepping stone to a longer commitment or a prelude to a future bidding war remains to be seen, but Chicago is all-in on its superstar.