Cubs' Kyle Tucker dismisses potential Chicago return, hints at future decision with organization

Hunter Cookston

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Cubs' Kyle Tucker dismisses potential Chicago return, hints at future decision with organization image

All season long, the buzz in Chicago has been whether or not Kyle Tucker would return. The Chicago Cubs experienced both the highest of highs and the lowest of lows with Tucker. When things were going well, his projected winter contract value reached incredible heights.

“Tucker is expected to be the highest paid free agent in this class. Most analysts believe he will get somewhere between $500 million and $650 million based on the recent contracts of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with the Blue Jays ($500 million) and Juan Soto with the Mets ($765 million). Tucker can impact a game in so many ways with his five tools: hitting, power, defense, arm strength and speed. He has made four straight All-Star teams and is putting together another strong season,” The Athletic’s Jim Bowden wrote.

However, after the Cubs were eliminated by the Milwaukee Brewers in the playoffs, Tucker’s contract projection came back down to earth.

“It starts with Kyle Tucker, who is headed to free agency and will likely get a monster deal (some speculate a lot more, but I think it's reasonable to expect in the $300 million area),” CBS Sports’ Matt Snyder wrote.

As he enters free agency, Tucker will be one of the most closely watched players on the market. And based on his comments following the loss to the Brewers, it doesn’t sound like a return to Chicago is in the cards.

“We'll see what happens. Don't know what the future is going to hold. If not, it's been an honor playing with all these guys and wish everyone best of luck whether it’s playing next year or not with them,” Tucker said.

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Tucker appeared to dodge the question. He was asked specifically about remaining a Cub for the next several years, but instead kept referring to the possibility of not playing with the team again.

The Cubs aren't known for handing out massive contracts, which likely explains why Tucker could be looking elsewhere. It will be interesting to see where he ends up, but Chicago no longer feels like the destination.

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Hunter Cookston

Hunter Cookston began his career as a sportswriter for the Marion Tribune, where he covered local high school football, basketball and baseball. His passion for sports started at the age of four when he played his first year of tee ball. Growing up in Tennessee, he developed a deep love for the Tennessee Volunteers and Atlanta Braves. Hunter is currently attending Tennessee Wesleyan University, where he is pursuing a BA in Sports Communications/Management.