Cubs four-time All-Star Kyle Tucker gets $427 million contract update from MLB insider ahead of free agency originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Chicago Cubs had a good season this year, going 92-70 and losing in five games in the NLDS. However, they are probably the team with the biggest decision to make this offseason.

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The decision is whether or not to retain their four-time All-Star, Kyle Tucker. The Athletic’s Tim Britton projects Tucker will be the White Whale of the offseason, signing for an insane 12 years, $460 million.

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“Tucker stands to cash in thanks to two deals signed in the last 12 months: Juan Soto’s $765 million contract with the Mets and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s 14-year, $500 million extension with the Blue Jays…In Tucker’s case, he’s been about 75 percent as valuable as Soto in the three and five years leading up to free agency. Seventy-five percent of Soto’s $51 million AAV would be just over $38 million per season.” Britton wrote.

This season, Tucker slashed .266/.377/.464/.841 with 25 doubles, 22 home runs, 73 RBI, and 25 stolen bases in 136 games played. Tucker was the heart of the Cubs’ offense, and their leader they rallied around.

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Now, will the Cubs pay Tucker? Probably not. With his projected price tag, there are only a few big market teams that can afford him. The Cubs would probably do better using the money they would give Tucker in other places, such as pitching, and getting multiple good hitters instead of one great one.

However, if the Cubs can get him for pennies on the dollar, they definitely should. Hopefully, they can, but with the most likely option being that he wants the full amount, the Cubs should say thank you for your services and goodbye.

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