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.

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."