Before a disastrous 2024 season, Bichette was tracking like a top-five free agent. From his first full season in 2020 through the end of 2023, he compiled the 20th-highest bWAR in baseball. And considering that he’ll hit free agency heading into his age-28 season, everything was lining up for Bichette to capture a massive payday.

Tucker, 28, is scheduled to become a free agent after the season, something the Cubs would surely like to avoid. They are expected to touch base with Tucker and his representatives at Excel Sports at some point about a long-term extension, reports MLB Network.

And at the heart of things, once again, was outfielder Kyle Tucker. Chicago's prize offseason acquisition continued his torrid start to the year, reaching base four times — including a big two-run homer in the eighth that set up Amaya's heroics an inning later.