Kyle Tucker was nicely conscious of Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s large contract. He simply wasn’t positive 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 speedy future than whether or not he’ll stay with the Chicago Cubs after this season.
“I am positive he loves taking part in in Toronto,” Tucker mentioned earlier than Monday’s sport in opposition to Texas. “It is nice for him. I imply, everybody’s a bit totally different. Proper now, I am right here to play this 12 months. I am excited to get out once more and play tonight, simply sort of see the place every thing goes after that.”
Guerrero’s contract units a excessive bar for different gamers with expiring offers, similar to 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 12 months and is closely deferred.
Guerrero, the son of a Corridor of Famer, is taking part in on a $28.5 million, one-year contract after avoiding arbitration. The four-time All-Star had mentioned he would not negotiate a long-term deal as soon as he reported to spring coaching. However talks along with his agent continued.
Tucker was requested if he had set a deadline for the Cubs.
“I have never considered it that a lot,” he mentioned. “I am simply making an attempt 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.”
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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 workforce that completed with an 83-79 document every of the previous two years. But it surely’s not clear if this can 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 1 with the Cubs or indicators with one other workforce.
Tucker is off to an excellent begin in Chicago. He entered the three-game sequence in opposition to the Rangers with a .319 batting common, 5 homers and 15 RBIs.
Tucker took Nationwide League Participant of the Week honors on Monday, following a powerful 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 gained 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 mentioned. “He is simply so locked in from pitch one and able to do harm, and on the similar time spitting on the stuff he does not need to swing at. It has been enjoyable to look at. He is had a terrific week, little question about it.”
Tucker is having fun with his time with the Cubs. He known as the ambiance at Wrigley Area “spectacular” and mentioned followers “come out and help their workforce it doesn’t matter what.”
“It has been nice ever since I have been over right here,” Tucker mentioned. “Everybody’s been tremendous good and useful and every thing. The hospitality’s been nice. … I simply right here to play some baseball and see what occurs after that.” ___
Reporting by The Related Press.
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