CHICAGO — Kyle Tucker and the Chicago Cubs settled the largest of the 17 salary arbitration cases in which proposed figures were exchanged, agreeing to a one-year, $16.5 million contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced.
Chicago had submitted a $15 million figure and the All-Star outfielder had asked for $17.5 million. Absent an agreement, a hearing before a three-person panel would have been held from Jan. 27 through Feb. 14.
Eligible to become a free agent after this year’s World Series, Tucker was acquired by the Cubs from the Houston Astros for third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski and Cam Smith, one of their top infield prospects.
Tucker, who turns 28 on Friday, had a $12 million salary last year. He was limited to 78 games because of a fractured right shin, but he hit .289 with 23 homers and 49 RBIs for the AL West champions.
He batted .284 with 29 homers, an AL-best 112 RBIs and 30 steals for Houston in 2023.
