The Chicago Cubs avoided arbitration with three players ahead of Thursday’s deadline though notably did not agree to terms with slugger Kyle Tucker.
Left-hander Justin Steele ($6,550,000), right-hander Eli Morgan ($950,000) and right-hander Nate Pearson ($1,350,000) reached an agreement with the Cubs on their 2025 salaries. Steele and Morgan each have two more arbitration-eligible years while Pearson has one more remaining before reaching free agency after next season.
Tucker and the Cubs exchanged figures, highlighting a significant gap between the sides. The outfielder filed at $17.5 million while the Cubs submitted at $15 million, sources confirmed to the Tribune. Tucker and the Cubs can continue to negotiate and reach an agreement before the arbitration hearing, typically held during spring training, in which each side presents its case before an arbiter selects one of the figures for the player’s 2025 salary.
The Cubs acquired Tucker last month from the Houston Astros, adding a star to the middle of their order. He is coming off his third consecutive All-Star appearance after hitting .289 with a .409 on-base percentage, .585 slugging percentage and 181 OPS+ in 78 games.
Over the last five years, dating to his first full season in 2020, Tucker has firmly established himself among the top power hitters in the game.
Tucker, 27, will be a free agent after the season.