MLB insider reveals brutal Cubs' Kyle Tucker extension update

Matt Sullivan

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MLB insider reveals brutal Cubs' Kyle Tucker extension update image

The Chicago Cubs are in the NLDS, facing a tough Milwaukee Brewers team. After dropping Games 1 and 2, they are now on the brink of elimination, in what was a solid season from the Cubs.

However, the Game 2 loss wasn't the only bad news that Cubs fans got on Monday, as a new report came out on a potential Kyle Tucker extension, and it's not a good one.

According to ESPN MLB insider Jesse Rogers, the Cubs aren't likely to sign Tucker to an extension to keep him in Chicago. Not only is Tucker likely heading elsewhere, but Rogers revealed this was the plan in Chicago the entire year.

Cubs' Kyle Tucker plan never included an extension beyond 2025

In response to a question from a fan asking if the Cubs aren't extending Tucker, Rogers' response put a stop to any such speculation: "No. They were never going to. Anyone that said different was wrong."

This is a brutal update on the Tucker contract extension talks, which have been pervasive all year long. At the beginning of the season, there were optimistic reports about a potential extension. But now, it's all but confirmed that Tucker will be on a new team in 2026.

Rogers further added detail to the Cubs' decision to let Tucker leave after just one year. Another fan asked why the Cubs would trade for Tucker for only one season, and not go all-in for a World Series push. Rogers' answer is a brutal addition to his already tough report.

"Who said anything about winning the World Series?" Rogers responded. "They haven't made the postseason since 2018. That was the goal. Then it's hope for the best. If they build up a good team for several years, they'll probably make that big deadline deal that helps for the World Series and not just the playoffs."

These two reports from Rogers are a brutal insight into the Cubs' front office regarding the mega deal for Tucker in the offseason. The Cubs sent Isaac Paredes and Cam Smith, two young players under team control for one season, to Tucker.

What makes the move look even worse in retrospect is how solid both Smith and Paredes were for the Houston Astros. They'll be major factors for Houston going forward, while the Cubs will be left with a playoff berth and, most likely, two wins to show for it.

More: Cubs face an 'uphill battle' to keep star slugger in Chicago

Making a push for the playoffs is a welcome decision from the front office, but their lack of commitment to a World Series run is a frustrating outcome for Cubs fans.

Chicago is likely only getting this one season of Tucker. In the regular season, he had a .266 batting average with 133 hits, 25 doubles, four triples, 22 home runs, 73 RBIs, and an .841 OPS in 136 games.

This postseason, Tucker has three hits, all of which came against the San Diego Padres during the Wild Card round. Against the Brewers, he is 0-6 with two walks and one run scored.

Tucker becoming a rental for the Cubs was always a possibility, but it being the plan the entire time is a major disappointment for Cubs fans. Instead of the front office committing to this team, they were content with just making the playoffs.

The 28-year-old outfielder will land a massive deal in free agency, and the Cubs, according to Rogers, have no intention to try and retain the superstar. Tucker played one season in Chicago, and it's looking like that one year will be his last.

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Matt Sullivan

Matt Sullivan is a freelance writer for The Sporting News, predominantly covering MLB. Matt is a native of Pennsylvania and has worked with Athlon Sports, Last Word on Sports, and other outlets.