CHICAGO — Kyle Tucker was properly conscious of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s large contract. He simply wasn’t certain the way it will influence him.
A day after Guerrero agreed to a $500 million, 14-year contract with Toronto that begins in 2026, Tucker insisted he’s focusing extra on the fast future than whether or not he’ll stay with the Chicago Cubs after this season.
“I am certain he loves enjoying in Toronto,” Tucker stated earlier than Monday’s sport in opposition to Texas. “It is nice for him. I imply, everybody’s a bit completely different. Proper now, I am right here to play this yr. I am excited to get out once more and play tonight, simply sort of see the place every part goes after that.”
Guerrero’s contract units a excessive bar for different gamers with expiring offers, resembling Tucker. It is the third largest in whole {dollars} behind outfielder Juan Soto’s $765 million, 15-year contract with the New York Mets that began this season and two-way star Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million, 10-year settlement with the Los Angeles Dodgers that started final yr and is closely deferred.
Guerrero, the son of a Corridor of Famer, is enjoying on a $28.5 million, one-year contract after avoiding arbitration. The four-time All-Star had stated he would not negotiate a long-term deal as soon as he reported to spring coaching. However talks together with his agent continued.
Tucker was requested if he had set a deadline for the Cubs.
“I have not considered it that a lot,” he stated. “I am simply attempting to return out right here and play. … I am simply right here to play baseball. I simply let the opposite stuff fall the place it’s and see what occurs.”
The Cubs acquired the well-rounded Tucker from Houston in December, hoping the three-time all-star and one-time Gold Glove outfielder can raise a group that completed with an 83-79 file every of the previous two years. However it’s not clear if this will probably be a long-term association.
Tucker prevented arbitration by agreeing to a $16.5 million, one-year contract. He figures to be in for an enormous deal, whether or not he agrees to at least one with the Cubs or indicators with one other group.
The previous Astro is not the one potential free agent that took word of Guerrero’s deal, as New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso additionally weighed in on the ripple impact the $500 million contract might need throughout baseball.
“That is large for first basemen,” Alonso advised The Athletic‘s Will Sammon. “Half a billion {dollars}, it’s an enormous, large quantity. For him, it’s a improbable deal. It’s nice for the first-base market, I feel. I imply, 14 years — he’s a stud. Effectively deservedly so. Proper now, you possibly can’t consider the Toronto Blue Jays with out Vlad Jr. He’s finished some actually superb issues on this league and for that group. Tremendous properly deserved.”
Alonso struggled on the open market this previous low season, securing a two-year, $54 million contract from the Mets that offers him the ability to opt-out after 2025.
So it solely appears applicable that Alonso would see the monetary dedication Toronto made to Guerrero and name it a “sick contract.”
The 30-year-old has burst out of the gates in Queens this season, hitting three homers in 9 video games whereas carrying a 1.066 OPS.
However whilst a possible return to free company looms, Alonso insists his focus stays on the season at hand, however added that he would not shut down any extension talks with the Mets.
“We’re open to it, however my focus proper now’s doing what I can to assist win tonight,” Alonso stated Monday. “Clearly, if one thing occurs, then I’m certain Scott (Boras) and Steve (Cohen) or David (Stearns) will discuss it, however my job is to focus and lock in on the season, and win. That’s actually all it’s. If one thing occurs, then, no matter, but when not then no large deal as a result of that is ball time. We are attempting to win ballgames proper now.”
Tucker can also be off to a very good begin in Chicago. He entered the three-game collection in opposition to the Rangers with a .319 batting common, 5 homers and 15 RBIs.
Tucker took Nationwide League Participant of the Week honours on Monday, following a formidable efficiency in opposition to the Athletics and San Diego Padres. He mixed to go 9 for 23 with three homers and eight RBIs because the Cubs received 5 of six video games.
“It has been enjoyable watching Kyle sort of on the peak of who he’s as an offensive participant,” supervisor Craig Counsell stated. “He is simply so locked in from pitch one and able to do injury, and on the identical time spitting on the stuff he would not need to swing at. It has been enjoyable to observe. He is had an incredible week, little doubt about it.”
Tucker is having fun with his time with the Cubs. He known as the ambiance at Wrigley Area “spectacular” and stated followers “come out and help their group it doesn’t matter what.”
“It has been nice ever since I have been over right here,” Tucker stated. “Everybody’s been tremendous good and useful and every part. The hospitality’s been nice. … I am simply right here to play some baseball and see what occurs after that.”
— With information from Sportsnet Employees
