The Chicago Cubs begin the new week leading the National League Central with a 23-18 record. Chicago has not reached the playoffs since 2020, and this might be the team’s best chance since the last decade to make a legitimate run at a World Series.
Two players who have stood out this year for the Cubs are outfielders Kyle Tucker and Pete Crow-Armstrong. With those two leading the way, the Cubs appear in good shape to remain in contention for the remainder of 2025.
However, questions surrounding Chicago’s ability and willingness to sign Tucker to a long-term extension have continued to linger.
Chicago Cubs Signing Kyle Tucker To An Extension Could Be Difficult
On Monday, the official MLB X account posted a graphic with a pretty impressive tidbit. Only three players this year have hit at least ten home runs and stolen ten or more bases. One is the iconic Shohei Ohtani.
The other two? Tucker and Crow-Armstrong.
Players with 10+ HR, 10+ SB this season:
– Pete Crow-Armstrong
– Shohei Ohtani
– Kyle Tucker pic.twitter.com/5h9ext2iaM
The stat shows just how Chicago has gotten off to such a hot start this year. The good news for the organization is that Crow-Armstrong is under team control for six seasons. At 23, “PCA” looks like he is blossoming into the league’s next big star.
In 41 games this season, he is hitting .264 with ten home runs and 28 RBI. He has also contributed 13 stolen bases, elite defense in center field, and electric speed on the bases. He is trending to make his first All-Star game, likely as the starting center fielder.
While Cubs fans can enjoy PCA for years to come, Tucker’s time on the North Side looks limited. Tucker, 28, is viewed as the best position player on the free agent market this winter. Many project him to earn a contract worth over $400 million. This projection caused his old team, the Houston Astros, to trade him this past December.
Though the Cubs gave up a lot to acquire him, questions still linger about whether or not they will be able to afford him in the offseason. His fast start has only made those questions louder (and his earning potential greater).
In 41 games, Tucker has hit .269 with ten home runs and 32 RBIs, along with 10 stolen bases. His on-base percentage is .379. If Tucker continues to play at a high level for Chicago, he will likely push his contract to $500 million or more in the open market. The Cubs have not spent big money in recent years, but they must do whatever they can to keep him around for the long haul.
The trade currently looks like a sure-fire win, as Tucker looks like he will be an All-Star with Crow-Armstrong. However, unless this season ends in a World Series victory, many around the league will have a less positive view on th trade if he doesn’t re-sign.