When Kyle Tucker hit free agency, it felt like the writing was already on the wall. His time with the Cubs was always going to be short-lived - a one-year stop in Wrigleyville that featured flashes of his All-Star talent but ended with more questions than answers.
He earned his fourth straight All-Star nod and picked up a second Silver Slugger, but the second half of the season told a different story. Injuries derailed his momentum, and his absence left a noticeable void in the heart of Chicago’s lineup.
And now, as the Cubs usher in a new face of the franchise, it’s clear that a Tucker reunion was never seriously on the table. There were no whispers, no rumors, no indication that the front office was looking to bring him back.
The reason why? It may have become a bit clearer during Alex Bregman’s introductory press conference at Wrigley Field.
Team president Jed Hoyer made it a point to highlight Bregman’s leadership qualities - his commitment to his teammates, his focus on winning, even his efforts to learn Spanish to better connect with his clubhouse. That kind of detail doesn’t show up in a box score, but it clearly mattered to the Cubs. Enough, in fact, to hand Bregman a deal worth $35 million per year.
Yes, the contract includes deferrals that soften the present-day value, but it’s still a significant commitment - especially for a player who turns 32 this spring. On paper, Tucker, who’s about to turn 29, might have seemed like the safer long-term investment.
But Hoyer and the Cubs weren’t just looking at age or stat lines. They were looking at fit - both on the field and in the clubhouse.
That’s where Bregman separated himself.
Tucker, by all accounts, is a quiet, low-key presence. That’s not a knock - plenty of stars have let their play do the talking.
But in this case, the Cubs were clearly looking for more than just production. They wanted a tone-setter.
A leader. Someone who could help shape the culture of a team with postseason aspirations.
Bregman checks those boxes. He’s a proven winner with a championship pedigree, and he brings an edge that this Cubs team seems to value. After missing out on him last offseason - when they reportedly made a lowball offer and watched him walk to Boston - the front office wasn’t going to let that happen again.
So now, the Bregman era begins in Chicago. His presence signals a shift - not just in talent, but in identity.
The Cubs are betting big on more than just numbers. They’re betting on leadership, chemistry, and the kind of intangibles that don’t show up in WAR but show up in October.
As for Tucker, his stint in Chicago will go down as a brief chapter - a season that started with promise but ended quietly. The Cubs have turned the page. And with Bregman now in the fold, they’re hoping this next chapter is the one that finally gets them back to where they want to be.