The Chicago Cubs made the trade of the offseason, landing Kyle Tucker, a top-10 player in baseball.

Tucker has an argument about being a top-five player in the league when he’s at his best and will be paid like one when the time comes.

If the Cubs didn’t trade for him with one year left on his contract, they likely would’ve had to send out much more in their trade package. Instead, they got the slugger for a relatively decent price.

Losing him less than a year after trading for him would be a disaster. Just ask New York Yankees fans how they feel about losing Juan Soto.

If one thing has stayed true over the past few years, the Cubs haven’t been willing to give out big deals. That’s concerning with someone like Tucker, but it’s also fair to wonder why they’d trade for him if they didn’t plan to sign him next winter.

Chicago will likely have to give up at least $300 million, with Mike Axisa of CBS Sports predicting him to get even more than that. Axisa predicted Tucker would get a 10-year, $350 million deal.

“A 10-year contract at that salary beginning in 2026 would lock Tucker in through age 38, and come in at $350 million total. Historically, players who sign extensions one year before free agency do not take discounts. They get what amounts to a free-agent contract,” Axisa wrote.

From an offensive and defensive standpoint, Tucker is well worth that price. It’ll be interesting to see how his bat plays at Wrigley Field, but he’s the type of hitter who should mash at any stadium