On Monday afternoon, right fielder Kyler Tucker told ESPN 1000 that his singular focus is on helping the Chicago Cubs win instead of worrying about a deal. Some people think the soon-to-be free agent made a business decision with two outs in the ninth inning of Monday night’s game.
With two outs in the ninth inning, the Cubs were leading 7-6 over the Miami Marlins. All they needed was one more out, and Chicago would keep a two-game lead on the St. Louis Cardinals for first place in the NL Central on the back of four straight wins.
Instead, Tucker allowed a catchable ball to go by him in right field, allowing Marlins center fielder Derek Hill to extend the game on a double. Javier Sanoja, batting ninth in the lineup, took a walk in the next at-bat.
Right fielder Jesus Sanchez would triple on the last at-bat, giving the Marlins an 8-7 walk-off win in front of 9,935 fans at LoanDepot Park.
Chicago Cubs fans call out Kyle Tucker
Apr 15, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker (30) hits a single during the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
Cubs fans were frustrated with Tucker’s play on Monday. He went 0-for-4 at-bat with one walk. Tucker has recorded just five hits in his last 22 at-bats in the last seven days.
Some fans on X think that Tucker might have played Hill’s hit cautiously, choosing not to lay out for the ball because an injury could hurt his price in negotiations. Others think Tucker’s price is going down during his May slump.
“we don’t want to say that Kyle Tucker probably costed them this game. Bad pitch for sure but that ball was very catchable. He’s terrified to put max effort out there defensively because he’s playing for a contract & its very evident,” wrote a fan.
“nah the issue was kyle tucker not diving for that ball because he’s always so afraid of getting hurt,” posted another.
Tucker has been non existent for 20+ games now,” suggested a fan.
Kyle Tucker wants $500 million? pic.twitter.com/XL5hFps1Kl
— DoSomethingJed (@CubsFan2114) May 20, 2025
“This is why Kyle Tucker doesn’t deserve $300 million,” argued another.
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