Kyle Tucker: Uncertain future with the Cubs after playoff elimination

Kyle Tucker’s Future in Play After Cubs’ Elimination

After the elimination of the Chicago Cubs, speculation about Kyle Tucker’s future begins to gain momentum. Tucker, one of the most sought-after players in the free agency market, expressed his uncertainty after the loss in Game 5 of the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

“We’ll see what happens,” said Tucker, who could be looking at a contract of around $400 million in free agency. “I don’t know what the future holds. If not, it was an honor to play with all these guys and I wish them the best of luck, whether playing next year or not with them. It’s a really fun group to be a part of.”

Kyle Tucker

The arrival of Tucker, acquired via a trade from the Houston Astros before this season, boosted the Cubs’ hopes of a deep postseason run. When Tucker was healthy and in form at the start of the season, he was a viable MVP candidate and a catalyst in a dynamic and varied offense. However, Tucker, who will turn 29 in January, suffered a fractured right hand in June and a calf strain in September, while the Brewers won the National League Central Division by five games over the Cubs, who earned the first wild card spot with a 92-70 record. After returning from the hand injury, Tucker struggled at the plate, batting .218 in July and .244 in August. Even so, he batted .266/.377/.464 on the season with 22 home runs, 73 RBIs, and 25 stolen bases in 136 games, earning an All-Star nomination for the Cubs. He returned in time for the playoffs and went 7-for-27 with a home run and an RBI.

“It meant a lot,” first baseman Michael Busch told reporters. “The consistency at the plate, getting on base and driving in runs. He’s as complete a hitter as you can get. I think putting him in any lineup, he’ll be at the top. I think he’s one of the best hitters in the game. He can change that lineup just by putting him in there.”

Michael Busch

But the Cubs and Tucker, represented by Excel Sports Management, never reached an agreement on a long-term contract as the season progressed. “I really don’t know right now,” Tucker said when asked if the Cubs have any advantage in signing him as a free agent. “I was more concerned about tonight’s game and everything. I’ll get through this today and worry about that a little later.” “I think this team is really very talented. A great group of guys. And I can definitely see that this team will have a lot of success in the future.”