Kyle Tucker: Uncertain future with the Cubs after playoff loss

With the Chicago Cubs’ season coming to an end, questions about Kyle Tucker’s future are starting to take center stage.Considered one of the most coveted players in the free agent market, the outfielder expressed after Saturday’s loss in Game 5 of the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, that he does not know what his next step will be.

We’ll see what happens. I don’t know what the future holds. If not, it was an honor to play with all these guys and I wish everyone the best of luck, whether playing next year or not with them. It’s a very fun group to be a part of.

Kyle Tucker

Tucker, who could get a contract close to $400 million in free agency, agreed to a $16.5 million contract to avoid arbitration this season.The addition 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 good 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 turns 29 in January, suffered a fractured right hand in June and a calf strain in September, as 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 recorded a .266/.377/.464 average for 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 7-27 with a home run and an RBI.

It meant a lot. The consistency in at-bats, getting on base and driving in runs. He’s as complete a hitter as you can be. 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 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.When asked if the Cubs have an advantage in signing him as a free agent, Tucker replied: “I really don’t know right now. 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 talented. A great group of guys. And I can definitely see this team having a lot of success in the future.”