The Cubs entered the season with a solid roster of hardworking players and a reliable coaching staff capable of keeping things structured. With the benefit of playing in a weak division and an expanded playoff format, they were almost guaranteed to be in contention come September at Wrigley Field, which routinely draws about 3 million fans regardless of the team’s performance. But to push beyond the familiar 83-win plateau, the team needed something — or someone — special.
That “someone” has been Kyle Tucker. His contributions show up in the box score — 12 home runs, 16 stolen bases, and 40 RBIs — but also in the advanced stats: his OPS+ suggests he’s hitting roughly 60% better than the league average, and his WAR sits at 2.7 with 98 games still to go. But more than the metrics, it’s Tucker’s presence that’s transformed the team — something intangible but unmistakable.
“There’s different kinds of energy,” said Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson. “Some guys bring noise, some bring fire — and then there are guys like Tucker who simply radiate a quiet confidence.”
Tucker’s steady, confident demeanor has given the Cubs a new edge — a bit of quiet swagger they’d lacked in recent years. Chemistry can’t be manufactured, and winning is still the biggest ingredient, but it’s clear the Cubs had been missing a true tone-setter.
Whether under David Ross in 2023 or Craig Counsell this season, the Cubs have shown flashes of playoff potential. Even in tough times, they’ve played with grit, avoided drama, and kept the clubhouse focused. They’re process-driven, diligent, and serious about their craft. But…
“At the end of the day, you have to be a dog when the lights come on,” said pitcher Jameson Taillon. “It’s about execution in the biggest moments, staying calm, and stepping up. That’s where we’re learning.”
Saturday’s 6-1 win over the Tigers — with Taillon shutting down the AL’s top team — moved the Cubs to 40-24 and set a clear course for the trade deadline. Just a year ago, they reached win No. 40 by July 4 and took a muddled approach at the deadline, buying and selling at the same time. That team couldn’t recover from a May slump or a September collapse that killed their playoff chances.
This year’s team, though, knew it needed more than consistency — it needed a star. Someone to carry the offense when needed, ease the burden on others, and stabilize rough stretches. Tucker has done just that.
A quiet competitor with a dry wit, Tucker has helped loosen the grind of a long season. Seiya Suzuki has credited him with inspiring a more aggressive mindset. Tucker’s hot start gave rookie Pete Crow-Armstrong the space to adjust — and blossom into an MVP candidate.
Even as the Cubs have thrived, they’ve had to overcome significant adversity — losing two All-Star pitchers, cycling through multiple closers, and enduring a demanding early schedule.
“Consistency in showing up the same way every day is harder than it looks,” said Counsell. “Tucker is great at that. With all the feedback and results thrown at players constantly, staying focused and unaffected is rare. Guys respect him for that.”
Tucker remains unfazed, often recalling advice from his former manager in Houston, Dusty Baker: “If you’re going to show up, you might as well win.” That motto has become a rallying cry.
“We don’t want to just go through the motions,” Tucker said. “We show up to compete, to support each other, and to win.”
Tucker’s routine is simple. He keeps it minimal and efficient — rarely taking extra swings during spring training and conserving energy. Counsell even joked that hitting coaches love him for not overworking them. Yet, he’s still been a glue guy for team culture.
“He’s the one playing music on the bus, chatting with everyone,” Taillon said. “He’s confident without being arrogant. He knows what he needs — whether it’s 20 quality swings or just keeping it light.”
Taillon compared Tucker’s mindset to former Yankees teammate Gerrit Cole.
“Gerrit would throw five pitches in the bullpen if he got the feel he wanted. That’s all he needed. That’s confidence — knowing your body and trusting your process.”
Now, there’s no more talk of waiting for next year. Tucker, on an expiring deal, is part of a team on pace for 100 wins. With so much on the line, the Cubs had no choice but to go all-in. They made a bold move at the deadline, trading away three young players — Cam Smith, Isaac Paredes, and Hayden Wesneski — for what could be just one season of Tucker.
In many ways, this year is as much about competing as it is about convincing Tucker to stick around.
“I started realizing during spring training how strong this team was,” Tucker said. “There’s a long road ahead, but we’ve had a great start on the mound, in the field, and at the plate. If we stay locked in, we’ll be where we want to be come season’s end.”