NL Superstar Costing Himself Millions In Free Agency With Extended Slump

Newsweek

a day ago

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Kyle Tucker may be in the middle of a $400 million slump.
The superstar right fielder for the Chicago Cubs is set to be one of the biggest free agents in the offseason.
A recent slump, though, could be setting Tucker for much less money than he is expected to get.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 4: Kyle Tucker #30 of the Chicago Cubs looks on during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field on August 4, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 4: Kyle Tucker #30 of the Chicago Cubs looks on during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field on August 4, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.After getting off to an incredible start to the season and being selected as a starter in the All-Star Game, Tucker has struggled mightily in the second half of the season.
Tucker entered Friday with a slash line of .150/.227/.150 in August. He has not recorded an extra-base hit since a double on the final day of July.
His season average has dipped from .276 to .265 during the stretch and his struggles have become a concern not only for the rest of the season, but for the future as well.
The Cubs offense is frustrated tonight in Toronto. pic.twitter.com/OpOBNkU0MH — Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) August 13, 2025
Tucker's extended slump has stirred up conversations surrounding what his offseason contract could look like. A recent article from Fansided's Quinn Everts suggested that Tucker could be playing his way out of millions.
"Tucker's honeymoon phase in Chiago has unfortunately come to an end — or at least a hiatus," Everts wrote. "Now, 'losing millions' in Tucker's case probably isn't as detrimental as it would be for other players."
Everts is correct in his assessment of Tucker losing out on millions would not be a major ordeal. He could potentially earn $100 million less than expected and still make more than any other free agent does in the offseason.
Chicago's upcoming three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates could be a chance for Tucker to get back on track. He's posted a slash line of .250/.357/.417 in 24 at-bats against the Pirates this season.
A good series against Pittsburgh will have Tucker feeling like himself again before Monday when the Cubs begin a five-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers.
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