The Chicago Cubs made the winter’s biggest splash by trading for superstar right fielder Kyle Tucker, and it’s paying off exactly as they hoped.
Chicago’s offense has been one of baseball’s best since the deal, with Tucker’s production helping position them for their first playoff appearance since 2020. The 28-year-old earned a National League All-Star starting spot and has delivered across the board.
Tucker’s put up 18 home runs and 59 RBI while slashing .273/.387/.485 with 23 stolen bases in 105 games. That’s five-tool production from a guy who does everything well.
But July hasn’t been kind to Tucker. Over his last 22 games, he’s managed just one homer and seven RBI while hitting .200/.358/.267. He’s still getting on base at an elite clip, but the power numbers have disappeared.
That recent stretch caught the attention of ESPN 1000 radio host David Kaplan, who had some strong words about Tucker’s upcoming free agency and the massive contract he’s expected to sign.
“Jim Bowden’s on going ‘that guy is going to get $600 million,’ $600 million for that guy?” Kaplan said on X. “Let me tell you what he’s hitting in the last 30 days, since the 29th of June: .208 with a .286 slug. For those of you that don’t follow statistics, that sucks. That’s horrible.”
Kaplan didn’t stop there.
“When’s the last time that dude hit a monster hit in a big spot? I’m talking about a game-wrecker. That’s what you get when you pay $500 million, not what we’re watching from Kyle Tucker.”
It’s a pretty harsh take on a month-long slump from one of baseball’s elite talents.
Tucker becomes a pending unrestricted free agent after this season unless the Cubs work out an extension. Industry consensus suggests he’ll command at least $500 million, with some projections reaching $600 million.
The way I see it, judging Tucker’s long-term value on a July slump seems shortsighted. Even during his recent struggles, he’s maintaining a .358 on-base percentage. That’s what separates elite hitters from the rest – they find ways to contribute even when they’re not hitting for power.
Tucker’s track record speaks for itself. He’s a proven five-tool player who impacts games in multiple ways, and whatever contract he signs will reflect that total package rather than a rough month at the plate.
