The Chicago Cubs are determined to reach October glory this season, and so far, things are going smoothly. But are they overlooking the long-term success?  Their most recent signing, an explosive outfielder, has been a game-changer for the club, winning over supporters and sparking an offensive explosion. The question is whether the Cubs will be able to retain his talent for the long haul. Or will he become another fleeting chapter in the club’s history? Well, this MLB insider has shared some intriguing insights.

Thanks to his batting skills, outstanding defense, and quick baserunning, Wrigley Field is rocking again, and the Cubs are hoping to make the playoffs. A key cog in the Cubs’ offense, he has a .264 average, 10 homers, 33 RBIs, and a .905 OPS. But there’s a gloomy cloud hanging over the North Side. Who is behind that gloomy cloud? Definitely not the universe or player performance. Then who is it? It’s none other than the Chicago Cubs‘ front office. And the challenge? Well, he’s also the talk of the town lately—Kyle Tucker.

A veteran MLB insider, Jon Heyman, just dropped a bombshell that has sent ripples through the league. In his latest column at the New York Post, Heyman wrote, “The chances a superstar like Tucker signs an extension months from freedom aren’t great, but he did tell The Post he’s enjoying the Cubs.” He might be enjoying his time with the club, but we have all seen players choose a lucrative offer the moment they become free agents.

Heyman emphasized that players of this quality, so close to free agency, seldom sign extensions. Soto’s enormous 15-year, $765 million contract set a precedent. His performance speaks volumes, and so does his projected contract value, which could reach $500 million. “I don’t see that one happening at all. Same with Soto, I’m sure he wants to head to free agency. He’s come this far,” Heyman said back in December.

Now, the question lingers for the Cubs: Are they willing to spend that much? Truth to be told, $500 million is not that big of a deal. Looking back at this season, other clubs have spent big, and the Cubs can do it too. And for a player like Tucker, teams won’t think twice.

As of now, the game is in the hands of the Cubs’ front office, and with one great pitch from the opposition, they could lose it all. So, are they doing anything?

Balancing the books for Kyle Tucker

The Cubs are at a turning point, weighing their current success against strategic choices that will determine their future. The focus sharpens on Tucker. His performance continues to amaze as he leads the NL Central with a 27–19 record. Keeping such a high-caliber athlete, though, calls for financial flexibility, which raises questions about resource allocation.

One possible move involves second baseman Nico Hoerner, who has yet to hit a home run this season despite a respectable .285 batting average and 15 RBIs. Trading Hoerner might free up significant money with $23.5 million due over the next two years. Injuries have forced the New York Yankees to require infield help, making them a reasonable trade partner. The Cubs, on the other hand, might acquire promising players like infielder Jorbit Vivas, who ranks among the Yankees’ top 20 prospects. In addition, the outfielder Everson Pereira has shown power with a .967 OPS at Triple-A.

Such a deal would not only relieve financial constraints but also inject young talent into the Cubs’ system to complement a long-term strategy. Although supporters would be hesitant to let go of a homegrown player like Hoerner, the possibility of guaranteeing Tucker’s future with the club offers a strong argument. Furthermore, including Pereira and Vivas could help to meet future positional needs, especially given questions about the status of other outfielders’ contracts.

The Cubs, then, have a strategic choice: prioritize building around a superstar like Tucker for the future, or prioritize present roster stability. They can set themselves up for continuous success by looking at trades that blend talent acquisition with financial responsibility. The following weeks will reveal the organization’s dedication to building a championship-contending team around its star players.