At the center of the reason why the Chicago Cubs aren't likely to bring Kyle Tucker back this offseason is the fact that Tucker is projected to receive a contract north of $400MM. Considering the Cubs have never shelled out a contract worth over $200MM, with a looming work stoppage, making the leap to a $400MM deal doesn't feel aligned with the messaging the team has had. That said, going over the $200MM mark is something that may have to be done very soon.
One of the biggest takeaways from Jed Hoyer's end-of-season press conference is the fact that the Cubs plan to make extensions a priority this offseason.