Chicago’s golden boy is now a $400 million question mark, limping his way off for an outside consultation on his left calf. On September 2, Tucker left the 4-3 win over the Atlanta Braves early after tightness in his left calf. After examinations, Tucker was eventually placed on the injury list for 10 days. The star right fielder’s injury, however, plateaued after seeing some improvements in the first week. He had been the primary reason for the Cubs’ fast start, and with just 13 days left in the playoffs, the urgency to get him on the field is real. And so, the team made a decision that just might thrust Tucker’s recovery forward.

On Wednesday, manager Craig Counsell revealed, “Kyle Tucker is traveling to Tampa this morning with a member of our medical staff to receive additional treatment on his calf. We’re aligned with Kyle. This is the best way for him to make some improvements. Unfortunately, we plateaued, and we weren’t making progress. That’s frustrating for Kyle. That’s the concern about getting him back this soon.”

Tucker, who grew up in Tampa, is scheduled to meet a physician and New York Yankees consultant, Jeremy Maddox. The 4x All-Star has worked with Maddox’s group as a part of his offseason program and also when he fractured his right shin last season as an Astro. The timing couldn’t be worse, with the Cubs’ wild-card series potentially starting September 30. The hope, now, remains that he will be back in time for the homestand in Chicago.

Talking about the decision, Counsell added, “We’re concerned because he’s not responding. We’re optimistic that he will play. But we are at the point where the calendar is starting to (turn). The days are running out. It’s important that he plays in regular-season games. Because if he (doesn’t), we’re talking about (missing almost a month). That’s why you’re willing to go to this extra step here to try something. I think it’s important that he plays next week, so we’re doing everything we can to make that happen.”

Tucker was brought in to add some fire to a rather slumping offense from last season. As the best hitter on the Cubs, he batted .270  and had an .854 OPS during the 2025 season before his body gave up at crunch time. But here’s where the ugliness begins…

ESPN valued Tucker at $400 million on the open market. The Cubs gambled big-time in the offseason, trading away any chance at future relevance for one shot at glory. But now, they are in a difficult situation. Should they pay a huge amount to someone who may not play, or risk losing their chance at a great season and learn a lesson on risky decisions? The financial reality of Kyle Tucker’s situation has ignited a firestorm among Chicago Cubs fans who invested their hearts into what they believed would be their championship moment.

Cubs star Kyle Tucker faces backlash

When the Cubs called Houston to bring in their star player, Chicago had already decided its fate: all or nothing. The reason for the latter was giving a $400M deal to Tucker for third baseman Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski, and third-base prospect Cam Smith. But with his injuries lingering, including the hairline fracture in his right hand, everyone is wondering if the Cubs can beat the Pittsburgh Pirates and go into a deep playoff run.

Chicago fans unleashed their frustration with brutal assessments. “Contract value is gonna go down. This guy has been a flop since the All-Star break,” declared one, a harsh assessment backed by Tucker’s dramatic decline from a .320 first-half average to just .240 after the break, most likely due to the right-hand fracture.

Another fan wrote, “This man is definitely not resigning,” highlighting concerns rooted in the fact that Tucker has missed many games since injury, raising serious questions about his commitment to a franchise that gave up three top prospects to acquire him.

The criticism intensified as supporters questioned Tucker’s dedication during the team’s most crucial stretch. Although he put up his best offensive month after injuring his hand on June 1, and has been the reason for the Cubs’ grip this season, some fans are simply not satiated. “Price tag dropping by the day,” read another reaction, a sentiment that reflects MLB contract history, where injury-prone superstars like Giancarlo Stanton saw their market value drop.

One user commented bluntly, “He quit on the team, we don’t need him,” expressing frustration that carries weight considering Tucker chose to leave for Florida rehabilitation with just 13 days remaining before playoff positioning could be determined. However, it is important to note that he has seen success with Maddox’s group before and returned to Houston last season in time. Now, he is simply trying to repeat it and play for the Cubs when it matters the most.

The growing doubts about his durability became too big to ignore as fans started connecting his ongoing struggles to injury issues beyond him. “I think Kyle can downgrade that speculated $400 million contract,” was yet another comment with good reason, as Buxton and Cody Bellinger lost contract value with similar injury histories, making an almost half-billion-dollar contract for a man who’s missed 35-plus games two seasons in a row increasingly far-fetched. Do you think this gamble was worth it all, and Tucker will return on time?