The Chicago Cubs made huge headlines in the offseason prior to the 2025 season when they traded for Houston Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker. In return for just one guaranteed year of the free agency-bound All-Star, they would send over their no. 1 draft pick Cam Smith, third baseman Isaac Paredes, and pitcher Heyden Wesneski.
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It was a definite gamble, but one that, arguably, paid off as Tucker started the season as a lineup linchpin helping to motor an overwhelming Cubs offense to early dibs on a playoff spot.
But things also got really bad for the new Cub.
Kyle Tucker fell out of favor in Chicago
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From July 1 through the rest of the regular season, Tucker went into a career-worst extended slump, hitting a measly .225 with just 5 home runs and 21 RBIs. Things got so bad that the mega-loyal and mega-patient Wrigley Field faithful began raining boos on Tucker for what was perceived as a lack of fire.
By the end of his run in Chicago, fans stopped demanding an extension to keep him with the team and were, instead, eyeing life beyond Tucker.
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer, in a recent interview on “The Show” podcast, talked about the mutual decision to part ways with Tucker this past offseason.
“As we thought about everything– the fit, the resources, what other things we needed to do with our roster– it made sense for both sides to go in a different direction,” Hoyer said. “It was a good one year with him…When we were at our best, was when he was at his best in the first half…I’ve got nothing but good feelings about Kyle and I wish him luck.”
Parting ways worked out for everyone
Tucker, of course, would go on to sign an insane 4-year, $240 million Dodgers-style deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, loaded with bonus money and deferred payments.
The Cubs, meanwhile, signed three-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman to a 5-year, $175 million contract. Looking at the big picture, Chicago was able to grab Bregman and at least two or three of their new free agent relievers for what it would’ve cost to keep Tucker.
All in all, this has to be seen as a winning swap for the Cubs.
Bregman brings a good bat, stellar defense, and, most importantly, the kind of team leadership and motivational fire lacking in the more reserved Tucker. In a lot of ways, Bregman is the kind of player the Cubs hoped to be getting in Tucker last season.
Everybody seems to be happy with the parting of ways.
“He landed an incredible deal in LA and we feel good about where we are right now as a team,” Hoyer commented. “It worked out.”
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