For a moment, it looked like the Chicago Cubs hit gold with Kyle Tucker in the offseason. That is, until he was limited by a calf strain. But despite only playing 78 games this season, he helped the team to its first playoff appearance in five years. Granted, their run ended in the NLDS by division rivals, the Brewers, but his score, a third of the entire team’s, including a homer in the seventh inning, showed why the Cubs should get him back.

But here’s the thing, he comes with a hefty price tag; $400 million/ 10 years to be precise. And that’s exactly what could keep the Windy City club away, whether the fans like it or not. Now, with his latest post, he has also stepped more towards the confirmation that he indeed might be out of Chicago as free agency looms.

“Thank you, Chicago, for riding with us all year long! Y’all’s support was there no matter what, and we couldn’t have done it without you,” his latest Instagram post read.

The post highlighted Tucker’s time with the Cubs with a carousel of images from the games and practices that showcased that the outfielder indeed enjoyed being with the club. Although the message is a common courtesy by players after their seasons end, the case with Tucker was quite different.

He has been rumored to hit free agency after 2025, with the Chicago Cubs unable to match his contract demands. In the offseason, he signed a 1 yr(s) / $16,500,000 contract with the team to not lose arbitration after a trade from the Houston Astros, his former team, which also couldn’t match his request.

Reportedly, the Cubs and Tucker, who is represented by Excel Sports Management, never came to an agreement on a long-term deal as the season unfolded. And so, the 28-year-old already knew his fate with the team.

“We’ll see what happens,” said Tucker after Game 5 against the Brewers. “I don’t know what the future is going to hold. If not, it was an honor playing with all these guys and I wish everyone the best of luck, whether it’s playing next year or not with them. It’s a really fun group to be a part of.”

Undoubtedly, Tucker has been one of the league’s most reliable hitters throughout his eight-year professional career. He’s never posted an OPS below .800 in a full season and, at just 28, still has plenty of prime years left.

But what’s less certain is whether he’ll land the massive deal many expected earlier in the year for two very specific reasons.

One, the monster contract he expects can only come from teams like the Dodgers and the Giants. Two, his long-term ask might be a difficultly since, in the last season, he played 78 games due to two injuries.

Notably, his final stretch — five homers and 21 RBIs over 53 games wasn’t quite up to his usual standard and might ding his value a bit. Still, Tucker will enter the market as one of the most sought-after players available. And the team does know it.

“He meant a lot,” first baseman Michael Busch told reporters. “The consistency of at-bat, getting on base and driving [in runs]. He’s just as complete of a hitter as you can get. I think putting him in any lineup, he’s going to be right up at the top. I think he’s one of the best hitters in the game. He can change that lineup just with putting him in there.”

With that in mind, Cubs fans are bracing for the worst. And his recent social media post seems to have only fueled the belief that he’s bidding farewell.

Cubs fans are manifesting Kyle Tucker

While the Cubs’ front office is still skeptical about whether they would bid for $400 million to get Tucker back, the fans are in no mood to let their veteran slugger out. “Is This the Farewell?” one fan remarked.

Talking to the reporters after the Cubs’ season ended, Tucker was quite straight with his expectations: Before the game, he was thinking about winning; after the game, he was thinking about the loss. For him, the team will have a lot of success. With such positive hopes for a team that is likely to let him walk, of course, the fans want him back.

“Same time next year??” another added. Surely this sounds like fans are desperate to keep Tucker in Chicago, and why not? Just before his injury this year, Tucker slashed .291/.395/.537 with 17 HRs, offering a glimpse of his capability. Maybe, if the team truly believes they can use a veteran energy in their offense, then there are doors open for him.

“Hope you decide to come back & finish the job! WRIGLEY FIELD & CUBS FANS,” Another user added sharing how Tucker left with unfinished business. In a city like Chicago, winning matters the most. If the followers know they can have a player who can improve their chances to win, they are asking anyone and everyone to bring him back.

Few fans actually understand. “Let me translate: I love the fans and the team, but I will not be resigning with you.”

Tucker’s camp will likely explore the open market, and teams like the Dodgers, Phillies, and Yankees have deeper pockets. So, if either of them comes close to that rumored $400 million range, or even offers a better contract structure or incentives, it’ll be hard for the Cubs to match. But that’s where Tucker’s true fans come into the picture.

“Come back to H-Town if they give you the right amount of money. It’s clear you hit well in Minute Maid, and we love you over here. I hope Dana gives you the contract you deserve.” Tucker leaving the Cubs would be the best opportunity for the Astros to get their lost cornerstone back in their King Tuck.

Already, the Astros confirmed last offseason that they would not be able to meet the expected price tag of Tucker. Hence, this year, with the amount skyrocketing, the Astros are unlikely to go for him. But again, when the name is Kyle Tucker, not only the Cubs, but the fans of other teams are also manifesting to get him. Where do you think the slugger will end?