Jed Hoyer talks 2025 season, Imanaga’s future, Tucker and free agency

Anthony Pasquale · Staff Writer · 3 hours ago

Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer met the media this week for his annual end-of-season press conference.

Hoyer addressed the season, off-season plans, and more during his session.

Hoyer on the postseason run coming up short:

“It leaves you wanting more … it makes you want to work that much harder this winter, it makes you want get in earlier, makes you want to make that much better decisions.”

Hoyer also talked about a few players, offering his opinion on their season. He provided injury updates, discussed contract negotiations and more about different pieces of the roster.

Hoyer on Pete Crow-Amrstrong’s breakout being stalled by a second-half slump:

“In totality he had a great year.”

“There could have been some fatigue that set in … I expect him to keep getting better and better.”

Shota Imanaga and his contract negotiations will likely be a major point of this offseason. The 32-year-old left hander was plagued by struggles in the second half which will make these discussions more complicated for the Cubs organization.

Hoyer on Imanaga:

“If you would’ve shown us his production over the last two years you’d take it in a heartbeat. So, not only has he produced, but he’s a great teammate, a terrific asset to the organization.”

Hoyer watched some excellent seasons from his currently controlled talent as well. Michael Busch, Nico Hoerner, Matt Shaw, Seiya Suzuki and Pete Crow-Armstrong are among the players who could be candidates for a contract extension.

Hoyer on his plan for the offseason:

“My hope and expectation is that we’ll have extension talks with a number of our players this offseason.”

On the topic of Kyle Tucker, the Cubs’ largest free agent to hit the market, Jed Hoyer acknowledged that he may not be moving forward with Tucker on the roster.

Hoyer on how the Cubs will approach Kyle Tucker:

“Everyone can use a guy like Kyle Tucker. Everyone gets better by having a player like that. We’ll certainly be having those conversations.”

Hoyer on how the Cubs will fill Tucker’s void if they are unable to re-sign him:

“If you don’t retain that player then you’ll have to replace those wins, that WAR, in other ways. And I think that’s something we’re going to be really focused on.”