CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs’ season came to an end Saturday with a 3–1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 5 of the National League Division Series — and with it, a cloud of uncertainty settled over the future of their star outfielder, Kyle Tucker.
Tucker, acquired last offseason in a blockbuster trade that sent three players to Houston, delivered on his billing for much of 2025. The 28-year-old earned another All-Star selection and played a major role in helping the Cubs reach the postseason. Yet, after Chicago’s elimination, his future with the team is very much in doubt.
A Season of Highs and Hard Turns
Tucker and the Cubs failed to agree on a long-term extension during the year, leaving him poised to enter free agency this winter. Speaking with ESPN after the loss, Tucker was noncommittal about what comes next.
“We’ll see what happens,” said Tucker, who made $16.5 million this season to avoid arbitration. “I don’t know what the future is going to hold. If not, it was an honor playing with all these guys … it’s a really fun group to be a part of.”
Early in the season, the deal looked like a coup for Chicago. Tucker’s plate discipline and left-handed power transformed the Cubs’ lineup, pairing seamlessly with Seiya Suzuki and Pete Crow-Armstrong to make one of baseball’s most balanced outfields.
But the second half told a different story. A nagging hand injury derailed his production, and Tucker’s numbers dipped dramatically — he hit .231/.360/.378 after the All-Star break, finishing with a 118 wRC+, his lowest mark since his rookie year.
What Comes Next
When healthy, Tucker remains one of baseball’s premier all-around outfielders — a blend of power, patience, and defense that could anchor any contender’s lineup. The Cubs know his impact as well as anyone. But so does the rest of MLB.
As Tucker enters free agency, multiple teams are expected to pursue him aggressively. Early offseason chatter suggested that his market could approach $400–500 million, depending on contract length and structure.
For Chicago, the calculus is simple but costly: either commit long-term to the All-Star they traded for or risk watching another cornerstone talent walk away.
Whether the Cubs decide to double down or reset, one thing is clear — Kyle Tucker’s next move will define their offseason.
