The New York Yankees are reportedly monitoring Kyle Tucker’s situation as the Chicago Cubs star outfielder faces boos from his home fans amid a disappointing summer slump. The incident occurred during a recent game at Wrigley Field, where Tucker’s lack of effort on the basepaths frustrated Cubs supporters, potentially influencing his future free agency decisions.
During Sunday’s 4-3 Cubs comeback win over the Pittsburgh Pirates, Wrigley Field fans loudly expressed their displeasure with Tucker after he failed to hustle on a ground ball in the sixth inning. Tucker was visibly slow to run to first base when Pirates first baseman Spencer Horwitz was ready for the out, drawing boos from the crowd. Though Tucker went 0-for-3 with a walk in the game, his overall performance this second half has been underwhelming, reflected in a .190 batting average, one home run, six RBIs, and only two doubles in 106 plate appearances since the break. In August alone, he is just 8-for-50 at the plate with a sub-.600 OPS.
Impact of Cubs Fans’ Discontent on Tucker’s Future
Cubs fans’ criticism over Tucker’s effort on the field comes during a troubling offensive stretch, where the outfielder’s performance and hustle have been called into question. While fans are justified in their disappointment, this public display of frustration may affect Tucker’s relationship with the city and organization going forward. The pressure of such vocal criticism could push him to consider playing for another team when he becomes a free agent after the 2025 season.
Despite his struggles in the latter half of the season, Tucker is projected to secure a lucrative free agent contract next winter. While unlikely to match the landmark deals of Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., a contract worth over $300 million seems feasible as he approaches his age-29 season. For the Yankees, losing out on marquee names like Soto and Shohei Ohtani has made targeting Tucker more attractive as they seek to add powerful left-handed hitters to their roster. Notably, former Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger, who is with the Yankees, holds a $25 million opt-out clause, signaling potential roster changes that might open the door for Tucker’s acquisition.
Although the Cubs have the resources and motivation to re-sign Tucker, it remains uncertain whether they can overcome the current fan dissatisfaction and on-field struggles. Should Tucker decide to join the Yankees, Cubs fans may face added regret as they reflect on the star’s frustration in Chicago. Meanwhile, the Yankees continue to watch closely, hopeful that Tucker’s next chapter could unfold in the Bronx.