CHICAGO — In a significant move, the Chicago Cubs and Kyle Tucker have settled on a one-year contract worth $16.5 million, a process that marked the most considerable resolution among the 17 salary arbitration cases that took place recently. This agreement was revealed by a source familiar with the negotiations, who requested to remain anonymous as the official announcement had yet to take place.

The Cubs initially proposed a figure of $15 million, while Tucker, the All-Star outfielder, had requested $17.5 million last week. If the two sides had been unable to reach an agreement, a hearing in front of a panel of three individuals would have been scheduled to occur sometime between January 27 and February 14.

Acquired by the Cubs from the Houston Astros just last month, Tucker is set to become a free agent following the conclusion of this year’s World Series. His trade involved the Cubs sending third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski, and infield prospect Cam Smith to Houston.

Tucker, who will celebrate his 28th birthday shortly, played under a $12 million salary last season. His performance was hampered by a fractured right shin that limited him to just 78 games. Despite this, he managed to achieve an impressive batting average of .289, hitting 23 home runs and driving in 49 runs while contributing to the success of the AL West champions.

In 2023, he had a remarkable season with Houston, recording a batting average of .284 alongside 29 home runs, leading the American League with 112 RBIs and successfully stealing 30 bases.