Chicago Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker (30) reacts as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the New York Mets during the fourth inning at Citi Field.

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.