On Monday, during a home game where the Chicago Cubs trailed the Milwaukee Brewers 3-0 entering the bottom of the sixth inning, outfielder Kyle Tucker stepped up to bat. Once seen as a key figure in potential late-game comebacks, Tucker’s recent performance struggles were now front and center. After grounding out to first base in his first two at-bats and then grounding out again to second, Tucker ended the day 0-for-4 at the plate.
His struggles have been pronounced this August, with an abysmal slash line of .148/.233/.148 so far this month. Following his latest poor showing, Cubs manager Craig Counsell announced that Tucker would receive some time off from the lineup in hopes of allowing him to reset and recover.
“Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters Kyle Tucker is going to get a few days off amidst his recent struggles. After an 0-4 this afternoon he’s hitting just .195 with just a .571 OPS since July 1, and has a 57% groundball rate this month.” —Craig Counsell, Cubs Manager
The decision to bench Tucker, a four-time All-Star and World Series champion, highlights the severity of his slump. Usually a centerpiece for the Cubs’ offense, his recent performance drop has raised concerns about his role on the team. The Cubs hope time off will help Tucker regain his form as the Brewers have surged to widen their division lead to nine games following their win that day.
Background on Tucker’s Move to Chicago and Initial Performance
Kyle Tucker’s arrival to the Cubs this offseason came amid speculation that he would be traded by the Houston Astros, the only organization he had played for until then. While many anticipated multiple franchise bids, Chicago ultimately secured him by trading Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski, and prospect Cam Smith to Houston on December 13.
The Cubs viewed Tucker as a potential cornerstone for their lineup, hoping to extend his tenure beyond the 2025 season, as he is set to become an unrestricted free agent after that year. However, contract talks did not materialize before the season started, despite the advantage of making an early extension offer before Tucker’s value potentially rose further.
Early in the 2025 season, Tucker showed why he was worth the investment. He produced a strong .280/.384/.499 slash line with 19 doubles, 17 home runs, and 56 RBIs, earning his fourth All-Star selection. His early-season form sparked MVP conversations and suggested he would be a key hitter to challenge the Brewers’ dominance in the NL Central.
The Cubs’ Midseason Moves and Impact on Team Dynamics
Although the Cubs made some roster adjustments near the trade deadline, these did not substantially strengthen their lineup. The additions included utilityman Willi Castro and pitchers Michael Soroka, Andrew Kittredge, and Taylor Rogers. While these moves addressed depth, none were headline-grabbing acquisitions except for Matthew Boyd, who bolstered the rotation.
Despite these efforts, the Cubs gradually lost their division lead to the Brewers, who surged during the summer. In the 26 games following the All-Star break, Tucker’s numbers plummeted, hitting only .182 with a .572 OPS, including two doubles and one home run. His slump coincided with the Cubs looking to the minors for offensive spark.
Emergence of Owen Caissie Provides a New Outfield Option
To inject energy into the struggling team, the Cubs recently promoted top outfield prospect Owen Caissie, who made his major league debut during the same Monday game against the Brewers. Caissie promptly recorded his first career hit and appeared in the following three games, contributing to a brief winning streak for the Cubs.
Caissie’s arrival comes as the Cubs face a potentially crowded outfield situation alongside established players like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ian Happ. This development has fueled speculation about whether the Cubs may trade Caissie to maintain Tucker’s place long-term, but his recent performance suggests the team might reconsider.
Revelation of Injury Adds Context to Tucker’s Performance Issues
On Wednesday, ESPN reporter Jesse Rogers disclosed that Kyle Tucker has been playing through a hairline fracture in his right hand since June, which aligns with the onset of his slump. This injury likely contributed significantly to his diminished output at the plate during recent months.
While Tucker’s determination to continue playing injured demonstrates his commitment, the situation raises questions about the Cubs’ management of his health. Some observers wonder if the team should have intervened earlier to protect him from further decline or allowed him to recover fully before his performance suffered.
Ongoing Questions About Tucker’s Long-Term Role with the Cubs
Throughout the season, the Cubs have faced criticism for missed opportunities to solidify Tucker’s presence in Chicago beyond 2025. The organization has yet to secure a contract extension, add impactful talent around him, or manage his struggles in a way that might inspire confidence in his future with the club.
Whether Tucker regains his form and commits to the Cubs for next season remains uncertain. A strong finish and potential playoff success could influence his decision, but his future now appears more tenuous than initially expected when he was acquired.