The Chicago Cubs entered the 2025 season with championship aspirations, dreaming of their first World Series appearance since 2016. Those hopes came crashing down when they fell to the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 5 of their playoff series. As the dust settled on another season, attention immediately shifted to a looming question that has hung over the franchise for months: What happens with Kyle Tucker? As his contract approaches the final year. Now that he has answered, the Cubs faithful seem to have given up!

Kyle Tucker had a good year in Chicago this season. He hit .266 in nearly 500 at-bats, hit 22 home runs, drove in 73 runs, and stole 25 bases, giving him an OPS of almost .841. But mid-season, he got injured, which led to a slump in his performance, and it was clearly visible in the postseason, when he wasn’t able to hit up to his reputation.

In Game 5th, he couldn’t click, which contributed to the loss. After the loss, Kyle Tucker addressed reporters and was asked about his future with the clubhouse. “Yeah, I mean, we’ll see what happens. I don’t know what the future’s going to hold, but if not, it’s an honor playing with all these guys,” he told reporters. “I wish everyone the best of luck, whether it’s playing next year or not, for them. It’s a really fun group to be a part of.”

Despite the struggles, his contract value remains high. Analysts expect free-agent contracts to be between $400 million and $500 million, with some even predicting they could reach $500 million over several years.

Those projections are part of the problem: those dollar signs may be why the Cubs front office isn’t ready to make a deal. Tucker’s possible price tag might just be too high for a franchise that has typically been hesitant to sign big contracts. As Jon Heyman put it: “Long shot that [Tucker] does stay with the Cubs. It was worth trying — he had a solid year. But for the Cubs, who are not a team that spends huge… doesn’t feel like something they would do.”

Though they want to build around Tucker, the financial jump may be too risky for Chicago. And his post-season slump just added more fuel to his place in the team, especially among the Cubs faithful.

Cubs faithful speak out in frustration, farewell, and doubt

Kyle Tucker’s response and the team’s hesitation in contract talks have sparked backlash from Cubs fans, who now seem ready to move on. A calculative and observant comment, “I don’t know how anyone gives this guy $500M. He was injured half the season last year, missed a few weeks this year, and was ineffective from mid-June to today. As Theo once said, ‘you have to pay for future performance, not past performance.'” That point of view is based on the 28-year-old’s performance. There’s no doubt he’s been great, but since June, when he suffered a hairline fracture against the Reds, the numbers have taken a dip. Looking at his last 7 games, he has an average of .308 with 4 homers, 4 RBIs, and an OBP of .379. The same numbers that put his value up can put the value down, too.

Another fan bluntly stated. “By,e Kyle. Wish you the best on another team. Stay away from mine.” This reaction reflects the protective instinct fans develop when they sense a player has one foot out the door. The Chicago fans wanted to win, and Tucker was the strength, but the slump didn’t help in fulfilling that dream.

The fans have clearly moved on and suggested what his next place can be. “He was never to resign. Future Dodger, Yankee, or Phil. Close the book.” Well, a few days ago, Jon Heyman also mentioned this: “Whether it be the Dodgers, the Mets — somebody speculated to me that it could be the Mets for Tucker, which would be interesting.” The “close the book” remark suggests they have kind of already given up.

Kyle Tucker’s words were carefully examined. “I am leaving Chicago without saying I am leaving Chicago,” one fan translated. Well, he didn’t say it directly, but it felt like a soft goodbye. And let’s not forget there’s no statement from the front office on his future with the team, which only adds up to this.

The final word from many fans came swiftly and decisively: “No thank you.” This two-word rejection encapsulated the shifting narrative around Tucker. The fandom, which once was excited to have him, has now bid him goodbye.

The emotional arc in Chicago seems to be clear: the fans have moved on. Even though Tucker still possesses that power, and might sign a great deal once he opts for free agency. But in Wrigleyville, many voices suggest they have given up on him.