CHICAGO -- The Cubs rolled out an intimidating offensive unit when Kyle Tucker was healthy and producing at a high level this past season. The issue for Chicago is that plenty of teams around baseball could also envision the star outfielder transforming their lineup for years to come.
As Tucker marches toward free agency this offseason, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer understands that the right fielder’s time with the North Siders may very well have been a one-and-done arrangement. Cubs fans can perhaps hope that Tucker’s stint with the team will give him plenty to consider before inking a deal elsewhere.
“Kyle, I think he had a good experience here, for sure,” Hoyer said on Wednesday at Wrigley Field. “I think he enjoyed playing in Chicago, and I think certainly Wrigley and our fans made a huge impact. But ultimately, I think Kyle has a big decision and I think that he’s earned the right to not only be a free agent, but to be a coveted free agent.”
In the immediate wake of the Cubs being knocked out of the National League Division Series by the Brewers on Saturday, the 28-year-old Tucker raved about his time with the North Siders. He added that he felt the team was set up for multiple postseason runs. None of that guarantees anything as Tucker ponders his next step.
“We’ll see what happens,” Tucker said. “I don’t know what the future is going to hold. 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 with them. It’s a really fun group to be a part of.”
Hoyer swung a blockbuster trade with the Astros on Dec. 13 in order to land Tucker, sending Cam Smith, Isaac Paredes and Hayden Wesneski to Houston to get the deal done. In 136 games for Chicago, Tucker hit .266 with 22 home runs, 25 doubles, 25 stolen bases, 73 RBIs and nearly as many walks (87) as strikeouts (88).
Tucker posted a .932 OPS through the end of June, earning a spot in the NL’s All-Star team’s starting lineup in the process. During those first three months, the Cubs averaged 5.4 runs per game, as Tucker’s blend of power, speed and plate discipline helped drive the offense. He then dealt with injuries in the second half (hairline fracture in his right hand in June and a left calf strain in September) and saw his production go through some ups and downs as a result.
“When we were at our best, Kyle was at his best, and vice versa,” Hoyer said. “There’s no question he had a huge impact on this team. Obviously, he dealt with some injuries and struggled a bit in the second half, but again, when you take the totality of the season, he had a huge impact, as we hoped he would.
“Obviously now, we’re sort of into free agency, and we’ll be talking to [his agent] and we’ll be having those conversations. Like I said a bunch of times during this season, everyone can use a guy like Kyle Tucker. Everyone gets better by having a player like that.”
Cubs boast six Gold Glove finalists
When Hoyer thinks about the “brand of baseball” the Cubs play, he is quick to cite the team’s clean play in the field and how it drives run prevention. That was front of mind when the Cubs had an MLB-leading six players announced on Wednesday as finalists for a Rawlings Gold Glove Award.
“One of the main things I will think back on is our defense,” Hoyer said of this season. “I do think it’s sort of the backbone of what we do and sometimes it doesn’t get enough attention. We focus on the pitching or focus on hitting. We have exceptional fielders in a lot of different places.”
The Cubs’ finalists included: center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (24 Outs Above Average, 21 Fielding Run Value, 19 five-star catches), second baseman Nico Hoerner (15 OAA, 13 FRV), left fielder Ian Happ (nine Defensive Runs saved, five assists), third baseman Matt Shaw (12 DRS), pitcher Matthew Boyd (11 pickoffs, six DRS) and catcher Carson Kelly (four DRS, 34.3% caught-stealing rate).
Hoyer open to exploring extensions
Back in April, it was learned that the Cubs had engaged in early extension talks with Crow-Armstrong, but the negotiations were tabled as the center fielder focused on the season. On Wednesday, Hoyer said he remains open to exploring extensions this winter with a few of Chicago’s players.
“My hope and expectation is that we’ll have extension talks with a number of our players this offseason,” said Hoyer, who then smiled. “And my hope and expectation is that you never find out about it. That’s kind of what I would say. We have a number of players that we’d love to keep long-term and we’ll have those conversations.”
Counsell’s coaching staff invited back
Hoyer said manager Craig Counsell’s entire coaching staff will be invited to return for ‘26, but that does not preclude anyone from exploring opportunities with other teams. For example, bench coach Ryan Flaherty has already been linked to the Padres’ managerial opening in multiple reports.
“Our hope is that we retain our coaching staff. I thought they were terrific,” Hoyer said. “I know Craig was thrilled with the coaching staff this year. We all were. I think it was a really good year in that regard.”