Report: Cubs, Tucker avoid arbitration with $16.5M contract

The Chicago Cubs and star outfielder Kyle Tucker will avoid an arbitration hearing after agreeing to a $16.5-million contract for the 2025 season, sources told ESPN's Jesse Rogers.

The two sides previously failed to reach an agreement before the deadline after the Cubs and Tucker filed at $15 million and $17.5 million, respectively.

Chicago acquired Tucker from the Houston Astros for Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski, and Cam Smith in December.

The 27-year-old is entering his final season under team control and is projected to be one of the marquee free agents following the 2025 campaign. He's expected to patrol right field for the Cubs this season.

Tucker posted a .993 OPS with 23 home runs, 49 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases in 277 at-bats for the Astros in 2024 after missing an extended period of time with a fractured shin.