Jed Hoyer shares his thoughts on Kyle Tucker’s $240 million contract with the Dodgers

The Chicago Cubs’ offseason has been filled with both disappointment and optimism as one of their key players, Kyle Tucker, has decided to leave the team, signing a lucrative four-year, $240 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. While Cubs fans might have hoped to retain the star outfielder, Jed Hoyer, the Cubs’ president of baseball operations, has expressed understanding regarding Tucker’s decision, even acknowledging his success in Chicago and the opportunity that lies ahead for him.

Hoyer was candid in his reflections on Tucker’s time with the Cubs, particularly highlighting his remarkable first half of the 2025 season, where Tucker displayed his superstar potential. “Kyle had an interesting season with us,” Hoyer shared with Patrick Mooney of The Athletic. “He showed the superstar that he is in the first half, and he helped carry our offense in the first half. Obviously, in the second half, he struggled a bit. But he’s a star, and he got paid like a star.”

Despite the ups and downs, Hoyer expressed his genuine happiness for Tucker, who is headed to a new chapter with the Dodgers, a team with a perennial contender’s status. “I’m happy for him,” Hoyer said. “He’s going to a place where he can obviously win. It makes me happy that we were a good platform for him to have a good year and to play in the postseason and to get paid.”

A season of highs and lows for Tucker in Chicago

Kyle Tucker’s 2025 season with the Cubs was an eventful one. He showed flashes of brilliance during the first half of the season, where he was arguably the team’s most consistent performer. Over the course of 136 games, Tucker belted 22 home runs, drove in 73 RBIs, and posted a solid .841 OPS. These numbers, while impressive, don’t tell the full story. Tucker also had to navigate several injuries and setbacks, which hindered his performance in the latter half of the season.

Injuries are an unfortunate part of every player’s career, and Tucker was no exception. These challenges may have played a role in his struggles during the second half of the season, but they also provided a backdrop for the player’s perseverance. Hoyer, while recognizing Tucker’s inconsistency, was quick to acknowledge his status as a star and the financial reward that comes with such recognition.

Despite Tucker’s uneven season, his all-around contributions to the Cubs’ offense didn’t go unnoticed. His ability to produce during the first half and give the Cubs a strong offensive presence was crucial for the team. However, the Cubs were never able to close the deal in terms of offering Tucker a long-term extension, especially with his injury struggles complicating negotiations.

Bregman’s addition and the Cubs’ future

While Tucker’s departure certainly stings for Cubs fans, there is a silver lining in the form of newly acquired third baseman Alex Bregman. The Cubs were able to secure Bregman with a five-year, $175 million deal, a move that signals the team’s continued commitment to building a competitive roster. Bregman, who joined the team with high expectations, is eager to get started and is already expressing excitement about the future of Cubs baseball.

“There’s an excitement in the air about Cubs baseball,” Bregman said of his new team. “I can’t wait to get after it.”

The addition of Bregman is seen as a key move in the Cubs’ attempt to stay competitive in a tough NL Central division. Bregman, a seasoned veteran with postseason experience, is expected to bring a steady presence to the Cubs’ lineup. His bat and leadership in the clubhouse will undoubtedly play a big role in Chicago’s quest for success in the coming seasons.

While Tucker’s exit might have been a tough pill to swallow for Cubs fans, the acquisition of Bregman provides some optimism for the future. Bregman’s presence in the lineup should help fill the void left by Tucker, and his experience in big games will provide a valuable resource for the Cubs as they look to build a contender.

Tucker’s future with the Dodgers and Cubs’ offseason moves

As for Tucker, he is headed to a team that has been a consistent playoff contender in recent years. The Los Angeles Dodgers, under the leadership of manager Dave Roberts, are always in the hunt for a World Series title, and Tucker’s signing reflects the team’s desire to add another star to their already impressive roster. It’s a big move for Tucker, who will now have the opportunity to play for one of the most successful franchises in MLB history, with a legitimate chance to compete for championships.

But will Tucker be able to maintain his All-Star status in Los Angeles? His future with the Dodgers is a topic that has many fans wondering whether he can continue to perform at a high level, especially given the challenges he faced in Chicago during the latter part of the 2025 season. However, the Dodgers’ deep roster and strong supporting cast could provide Tucker with the stability and resources needed to thrive in his new environment.

Meanwhile, the Cubs are left to focus on their own path forward. While Tucker may be gone, the team’s commitment to improving the roster is clear. The signing of Bregman is just the beginning of what could be an exciting offseason for the Cubs. There are still plenty of moves to be made, and it’s clear that the team has set its sights on building a contender that can make a run in 2026 and beyond.

The offseason has already brought plenty of intrigue and drama, and it’s only going to get more exciting as teams continue to make moves. For the Cubs, the key will be how they respond to Tucker’s departure and how they leverage their new acquisitions to remain competitive in an ever-evolving league.

Looking ahead: Cubs’ potential with Bregman and new signings

The Cubs’ future is now in the hands of players like Alex Bregman and the front office’s ability to build a strong supporting cast around him. The team’s path forward may be uncertain, but with the signing of Bregman and other potential moves, the Cubs are positioning themselves for a future that could see them back in contention for a World Series title.

The departure of Kyle Tucker is undeniably a loss, but it could also be the catalyst for the Cubs to make even more impactful moves. The front office’s decision to focus on bolstering the team with proven stars like Bregman could be exactly what the team needs to make a deep playoff run in the years to come.

As the offseason continues to unfold, it will be fascinating to see how both Tucker and the Cubs navigate their respective futures. Will Tucker thrive with the Dodgers and cement his legacy as one of the league’s top stars, or will he face challenges adjusting to his new team? And for the Cubs, how will their revamped roster perform in a division that is always competitive?

Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the 2026 MLB season is shaping up to be one filled with intriguing storylines and plenty of drama as both Kyle Tucker and the Chicago Cubs look to prove themselves on the big stage.