The Chicago Cubs and outfielder Kyle Tucker have reached an agreement on a $16.5 million contract for the 2025 season, sources told ESPN on Monday. The deal allows the two sides to avoid an arbitration hearing that was scheduled for later this week.
Tucker Settles in Middle of Arbitration Figures
Tucker, who the Cubs acquired in a trade with the Houston Astros last month, had filed for a $17.5 million salary in arbitration. The Cubs countered with an offer of $15 million. By settling at $16.5 million, the two parties found a compromise right in the middle of those figures.
The 27-year-old is coming off an impressive but injury-shortened 2024 campaign. In 78 games, Tucker compiled 4.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) according to Baseball Reference. That put him on pace for over 9 WAR in a full healthy season, which would have ranked among the best in baseball.
Unique Arbitration Case Due to Injuries
Tucker’s limited playing time in 2024 made his arbitration case a challenging one. An arbiter could have viewed him as a part-time player based on his 78 games played. The resolution of his contract does set some precedent moving forward for how players with excellent rate stats but shortened seasons due to injury are valued in arbitration.
“It’s what held up an agreement to this point. But the sides were able to quickly get past that before the potential ugliness of an arbitration hearing took place.”
– ESPN Sources
Elite Production at the Plate
When healthy, Tucker has been one of the game’s best hitters. The left-handed slugger owns a career .870 On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS). His combination of patience and power makes him an elite run producer in the middle of a lineup.
- Career .379 On-Base Percentage
- 127 Home Runs in 5 seasons
Tucker is now the centerpiece of the Cubs offense and is expected to have a major impact in 2025. Keeping him in the lineup and off the injured list will be a major key to Chicago’s success next season.
Core Contract Details
| Total Salary | $16,500,000 |
| Contract Type | Arbitration Settlement |
| Contract Status | Free Agent after 2025 |
Tucker will now look ahead to settling in with his new team as the Cubs hold their annual fan convention starting Tuesday. The star outfielder is one of the headliners of the weekend as Chicago faithful get a chance to meet the newest face of the franchise.
