The Chicago Cubs made an enormous splash by buying Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros this previous offseason. Within the commerce, the Cubs despatched the Astros All-Star Isaac Paredes and star prospect Cam Smith, who proceeded to make the Opening Day roster after a powerful spring. With Tucker set to hit free company subsequent offseason, Chicago is dealing with an important 2025 marketing campaign and an enormous resolution on what to do with him. USA TODAY Sports activities’ Bob Nightengale addressed the Cubs’ predicament on Sunday, chatting with an government in regards to the scenario.
“So, would you’ve got relatively have six years of Smith, Paredes and Bellinger,” one government mentioned, “or one yr of Tucker? There’s a variety of strain for them to maintain Tucker now.”
Along with the Tucker commerce, Chicago basically wage dumped Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees. The Cubs waived Cody Poteet, the one participant they obtained for Bellinger. That solely provides to the stakes of the 2025 season, which can be the final of president Jed Hoyer’s contract.
Whereas many predicted Chicago to win the NL Central, a cohort of followers do not suppose they did sufficient to enhance the roster within the offseason, even with the Tucker commerce. If issues do not go effectively, Hoyer may discover himself out of a job.
Kyle Tucker’s free company
Associated Chicago Cubs InformationArticle continues beneath
Then there’s the matter of Tucker’s free company. The Cubs star goes to be one of many hottest targets in the marketplace within the winter, and if he’ll keep put, proprietor Tom Ricketts higher be ready to pay up. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden just lately predicted that the Philadelphia Phillies would swoop in with a contract supply north of $600 million.
Would Ricketts have the abdomen to supply that a lot? The Cubs proprietor has confronted criticism over his frugality regardless of huge income streams and a loyal fan base.
Tucker had a tough spring and was comparatively quiet by way of the primary 4 video games of the common season, however he broke out in an enormous manner on Saturday night time with three hits, together with a house run, and two RBI. The 28-year-old ought to have an enormous season and be able to money in.