Cubs and Kyle Tucker Avoid Arbitration with $16.5M Agreement

The newly acquired All-Star outfielder secures a one-year deal with Chicago ahead of his final season before free agency.

Kyle Tucker and the Chicago Cubs agreed to a $16.5 million contract for the 2025 season, avoiding arbitration after initially filing differing salary proposals.
Tucker, a three-time All-Star, was acquired from the Houston Astros in December in a trade involving Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski, and top prospect Cam Smith.
Despite playing only 78 games in 2024 due to a fractured shin, Tucker posted impressive stats, including a .289 batting average, 23 home runs, and 4.7 bWAR.
The agreement resolves a potential contentious arbitration process, clearing the way for Tucker to headline the Cubs' fan convention this weekend.
Tucker, entering his final year of team control, is expected to play a key role in the Cubs' bid to end their four-year playoff drought.