The Chicago Cubs are off to a strong start at 9-6, sitting a game ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers atop the NL Central. While it’s still early in the season with 147 games remaining, there’s a noticeable buzz surrounding both the team and its fans — something feels different this year.
A big reason for that change is Kyle Tucker. Cubs president Jed Hoyer made a bold move in the offseason, acquiring the 28-year-old World Series champion from the Astros in exchange for Cam Smith and Isaac Paredes. Houston, hesitant to extend Tucker financially, opened the door for Chicago to capitalize — at least for now.
Tucker was expected to produce, but even his most enthusiastic supporters might not have predicted such a dominant start. He leads MLB with 19 hits, along with five home runs, 16 RBIs, three stolen bases, and a .339 average. His 1.178 OPS is among the league’s best.
While it’s likely those numbers will level out, this is par for the course with Tucker. Though injuries have occasionally slowed him, he still managed 23 homers in just 78 games last season. When healthy, he’s one of baseball’s elite offensive threats — exactly what Chicago’s lineup needed.
But Tucker brings more than just power to the plate. He’s quickly emerging as a clubhouse leader, setting a tone both on and off the field.
Despite his stellar performance, Tucker is quick to deflect attention to the team as a whole. In a conversation with The Athletic, he praised his teammates and emphasized that baseball is a group effort.
“There are guys here who’ve been part of this organization a long time,” Tucker said. “I’m not winning games by myself. Everyone contributes — whether it’s a key out, a walk, or even just helping from the bench with scouting. This isn’t a one-man game.”
It’s a refreshing attitude for a franchise that’s been stuck in the middle, finishing with 83 wins in each of the past two seasons. Now, the Cubs look like a team ready to break through in the always-competitive National League. Sure, Tucker’s looming free agency casts a bit of uncertainty, but for now, fans are soaking in the moment.
And Tucker isn’t doing it alone. Dansby Swanson is off to a hot start with four home runs and an .809 OPS, looking as sharp as he has in years. Seiya Suzuki, long mentioned in trade rumors, is thriving with four homers and a .933 OPS — putting himself on a potential All-Star path.
All of this offense is critical, especially with a thin and injury-prone pitching staff. Justin Steele’s injury was a blow, but as long as the bats keep producing, the Cubs can keep pace.
The Cubs are back — and Tucker is doing more than just hitting homers. He’s helping reshape the team’s identity.