The Cubs didn't seem likely to hang onto Kyle Tucker after trading for him. But they are positioned to pay him $50 million per season if they consider him essential.

"Kyle Tucker is a player you want to have for a long time," Hoyer said. "He's been one of the best players in baseball this year."

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer maintained his stance on keeping contract negotiations out of the public sphere. But on Tuesday he acknowledged the obvious: “At some point” the Cubs will talk with three-time All-Star Kyle Tucker’s agent Casey Close about a possible extension.