The Cubs and new star Kyle Tucker will avoid going to an arbitration hearing, agreeing to a $16.5 million salary for 2025. The two sides did not reach an agreement by the deadline to exchange figures last week, but they were able to find a middle ground. The Cubs had filed at $15 million and Tucker’s camp at $17.5 million.

Tucker and the Cubs weren't able to agree on a deal prior to the arbitration deadline, but a few extra days of negotiation have resulted in the slugging outfielder receiving a $4.5 million raise from last season and $1.

While adding a top-of-the-market run-producer in Kyle Tucker, the Cubs have also cut their payroll by $60 million. They dropped 12 veterans who produced only 2.3 fWAR.