The Cubs and their new outfielder failed to come to an agreement today.
Things aren’t off to a great start between the Cubs and newly-acquired outfielder Kyle Tucker. The two sides were unable to reach an agreement on a new contract before tonight’s deadline to exchange arbitration figures, with the Cubs offering $15 million and Tucker asking for $17.5 million.
Jesse Rogers was first on the report.
The Cubs and newly acquired OF Kyle Tucker could not come to an agreement on a salary for 2025, per a source. The Cubs filed at $15 mil. Tucker’s camp at $17.5 mil.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) January 10, 2025
Tucker went to arbitration with the Astros two years ago, asking for $7.5 million. However, the Astros won the hearing and Tucker earned $5 million for the 2023 season.
The exchange of numbers does not necessarily mean that the Cubs and Tucker are going to arbitration. Teams are still allowed to negotiate with players up until the date of the hearing in February.
There is still no word on newly-acquired right-handed reliever Eli Morgan, who is also eligible for arbitration. We’ll update when word on Morgan comes down.
Update: The Cubs and Eli Morgan agreed on a $950,000 deal for 2025, avoiding arbitration.
Cubs avoided arbitration with Justin Steele ($6.55 million), Nate Pearson ($1.35 million) and Eli Morgan ($950,000), sources confirm.
— Maddie Lee (@maddie_m_lee) January 10, 2025