Chicago fans know the pain of waiting—they waited 108 years for a World Series title. Now they’re watching another agonizing wait unfold as their star outfielder, Kyle Tucker, edges closer to free agency without a contract extension, making every game feel like borrowed time with their offensive catalyst.

The Tucker situation has reached a boiling point that mirrors the frustration building throughout Wrigleyville. He is scheduled to become a free agent after the season, something the Cubs would surely like to avoid. The organization remains in talks, but no concrete progress has emerged, leaving fans to wonder if they’re witnessing another star slip away from the North Side.

Adding salt to this wound, the Ricketts family delivered what fans are calling a slap in the face. Season tickets for Cubs games will go up from 5-8%, the team announced Thursday in renewal letters, with an average hike of 6%. Cubs Zone on X broke the news that sent shockwaves through the fanbase: “The Chicago Cubs will increase season ticket prices by an average of 6% and announced a three-year renewal plan that guarantees admission to 2027 All-Star Game events.” Fans erupted in anger, questioning how ownership justifies charging more while failing to secure their biggest star.

This isn’t the first time the Ricketts family has faced a backlash from frustrated fans. Just last month, Tom Ricketts sparked fresh controversy when he dismissed fan criticism about being “cheap” by stating, “they’re misinformed” despite his financial commitment to the team. The January comments came as fans questioned the organization’s reluctance to exceed the luxury tax threshold, creating another public relations nightmare for ownership. Ricketts’ defensive tone and apparent disconnect with fan concerns only amplified the criticism, with supporters arguing that calling loyal fans “misinformed” showed how out of touch ownership has become with their base.

The latest pricing announcement has only intensified this disconnect, with fans feeling ignored and undervalued by an ownership group that seems more focused on profits than championships. The reaction from Cubs supporters and the broader baseball community tells the story of a fanbase pushed to its breaking point.

MLB World Reacts to Cubs Season Ticket Price Increases

The backlash wasn’t contained to Wrigley Field’s concourses—it exploded across social media platforms like a perfectly hit Tucker home run to the bleachers. Baseball fans nationwide joined Chicago Cubs supporters in expressing their bewilderment at the organization’s tone-deaf timing, creating a digital chorus of criticism that highlighted how the Cubs’ pricing decisions have become a cautionary tale across MLB.

“Tom Ricketts will still tell you he’s losing money,” said a frustrated fan on X, capturing the essence of supporters who feel manipulated by ownership’s financial rhetoric. The comment resonated with thousands who’ve grown weary of hearing poverty pleas from one of baseball’s wealthiest franchises. Another supporter cut straight to the heart of the issue: “Should be spending that money on better player acquisitions,” a sentiment that perfectly encapsulated fan priorities—invest in talent, not ticket price hikes.

The reactions ranged from sardonic to savage, with fans using humor to mask their genuine disappointment. “Brutal,” read another reaction that spoke volumes with just one word, while a user sarcastically asked, “Kyle Tucker is extended then?” The question highlighted the cruel irony of raising prices while failing to secure their biggest star. The most prophetic comment came from a fan who wrote, “And we’ll hear all about how we couldn’t afford Tucker,” predicting the exact excuse ownership would likely use if their All-Star outfielder walks away.

Kyle Tucker has hit 18 home runs so far in the 2025 season, continuing his stellar performance that makes his potential departure even more painful for Cubs fans. His production on the field stands in stark contrast to the front office’s inaction in contract negotiations, making every swing feel like borrowed time for a fanbase that’s tired of watching stars slip away from the North Side.