CHICAGO \u2014 In trading for Kyle Tucker, the Chicago Cubs gained an exclusive negotiating window with the All-Star outfielder, an entire season to make their recruiting presentation to the soon-to-be free agent.<\/p>\n
Even if it made more sense for Tucker to first explore his options \u2014 and for the Cubs to not bid against themselves \u2014 at least the player would get a better feel for the situation and the club would have inside information on what makes him tick.<\/p>\n
In theory, at least, that\u2019s how this one-year partnership could have worked. But in listening to separate end-of-season reflections from Tucker and Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer, both sides sound detached.<\/p>\n
Part of that is how the player and the executive are wired for their jobs.<\/p>\n
The patience and sense of calm Tucker displays in the batter\u2019s box will also serve him well as a free agent. Hoyer\u2019s disciplined, unsentimental approach rebuilt the Cubs into a playoff contender, earning him the contract extension that was once an open question last offseason when he acquired Tucker from the Houston Astros in a win-now trade.<\/p>\n
As Hoyer sat at the front of the Wrigley Field interview room for Wednesday\u2019s debrief with the Chicago media, the question went like this: Do the Cubs know what Tucker wants as a free agent and for the rest of his career?<\/p>\n
\u201cKyle had a good experience here,\u201d Hoyer said. \u201cHe certainly enjoyed playing in Chicago. I think that Wrigley and our fans made a huge impact. But, ultimately, Kyle has a big decision. He\u2019s earned the right to not only be a free agent but to be a coveted free agent. I would expect that they would play their cards kind of close to the vest.\u201d<\/p>\n
Though Tucker made sincere efforts to connect with teammates and become part of the clubhouse fabric, his low-key personality can sometimes be hard for others to read. Tucker\u2019s agent, Casey Close of Excel Sports Management, also has a reputation for being discreet.<\/p>\n
After 14 seasons as a top executive with the Cubs, Hoyer\u2019s style is clearly established. The emotions that drive decisions at the top of the free-agent market \u2014 sentimentality, desperation, urgency \u2014 are dulled by the organization\u2019s adherence to process.<\/p>\n
Some of those outside forces already appear to be lining up for Tucker, even after a quiet, injury-plagued second half in Chicago.<\/p>\n
Back in Tucker\u2019s hometown, the Tampa Bay Rays have a new ownership group potentially looking to make a splash<\/a>. Eager to make changes and willing to spend big money, Philadelphia Phillies owner John Middleton could see Tucker as the catalyst for a roster makeover<\/a>. Tucker is the No. 1 item<\/a> for \u201cTen steps the New York Yankees should take to return to the World Series in 2026.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot connected to Kyle,\u201d Hoyer said, \u201cI just think, in general, you have to evaluate. You have to start everything that we do with a valuation of the player, and focus on that valuation. And then, what\u2019s that worth to the organization? That\u2019s the backbone.<\/p>\n \u201cIn my career, when you make decisions that are based on your valuation and how you value the player, then it sort of takes some of the other stuff out of it. You make better decisions. If you\u2019re reacting to how things are going around you, I think that\u2019s when you can make a real mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n During a media session that lasted almost 50 minutes, Hoyer indicated he has not yet begun serious discussions with Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts and president of business operations Crane Kenney about next year\u2019s baseball budget. Hoyer declined to speculate on whether the major-league payroll would receive a boost after Wrigley Field hosted two playoff rounds.<\/p>\n