Introduction to Free Agency
MILWAUKEE – Cubs designated hitter Kyle Tucker extended his bat to a sinker on the outer corner of the plate, rolling a soft grounder to second base for the final out of the eighth inning of the Cubs’ 3-1 loss to the Brewers Saturday.
That may have been his last at-bat as a Cub.
The Cubs’ postseason ended Saturday night when they dropped Game 5 of the National League Division Series to the Brewers. And when the World Series wraps up at the end of the month, Tucker’s free agency is set to officially open.
Expectations for Free Agency
“I don’t really know right now,” Tucker said when asked after the game about his expectations for free agency. “I was more so worried about the game tonight. It’s, get through this today and worry about that a little later.”
Would he want to return to Chicago?
“We’ll see what happens,” Tucker said. “I don’t know what the future’s going to hold. But, if not, it was an honor playing with all these guys and I wish everyone the best of luck, whether it’s playing next year or not for them. It’s a really fun group to be a part of.”
Season Performance
Tucker’s season didn’t go quite as expected when the Cubs traded for him last offseason. They were willing to give up a lot – sending third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski and 2024 first-round draft pick Cam Smith to the Astros – in order to elevate their offense with an impact bat.
Tucker did just that for the first three months of the season, even though he played through a fracture in his right hand in June. He had a .931 OPS going into July, coming off a series in Houston,where his former team welcomed him back with a tribute video and “King Tuck” crowns in the stands.
Then he sunk into a seven-week slump. And just when he was coming out of it, logging four home runs and a .400 batting average in the span of 11 games, he was sidelined by a calf injury.
Postseason Performance
Tucker was still feeling the effects of the injury when he returned for the last series of the regular season. Then he went 7-for-27 in the playoffs. His solo home run in Game 4 of the NLDS was his only extra-base hit.
In order to avoid putting further strain on Tucker’s calf, manager Craig Counsell had him serve as the designated hitter through the postseason instead of playing right field.
“I was just doing my best, doing what I can to help this team,” Tucker said. “Just keep it moving forward. I’m always out there trying to do my best, try to go out there and put up good at-bats one after another.”
Future with the Cubs
An extension had seemed unlikely from the onset, when Tucker was expected to garner a hefty pay day in free agency. And after the way his season unfolded, with no agreement percolating in that time, it’s difficult to picture a scenario where a reunion makes sense for both parties.
“It’s going to suck regardless,” Tucker said when asked if his uncertain future intensified his disappointment after the loss Saturday. “You play this game to win and to come together as a group and win. It was really fun playing with this group this year.”
Conclusion
As the World Series comes to a close, Kyle Tucker’s future with the Cubs remains uncertain. With free agency on the horizon, Tucker will have to weigh his options and consider what’s best for his career. Whether he returns to the Cubs or moves on to a new team, one thing is certain – Tucker has left a lasting impression on the Cubs organization and its fans.
FAQs
Q: What is Kyle Tucker’s current status with the Cubs?
A: Kyle Tucker is set to become a free agent after the World Series.
Q: Did Kyle Tucker want to return to the Cubs?
A: Tucker said “we’ll see what happens” when asked about returning to the Cubs, indicating that he is unsure about his future with the team.
Q: How did Kyle Tucker perform during the postseason?
A: Tucker went 7-for-27 in the playoffs, with his solo home run in Game 4 of the NLDS being his only extra-base hit.
Q: Why did manager Craig Counsell have Tucker serve as the designated hitter during the postseason?
A: To avoid putting further strain on Tucker’s calf injury, Counsell had him serve as the designated hitter instead of playing right field.
