Kyle Tucker Got Booed — and the Yankees Should Be Thrilled

Tucker finished 0-for-3 with a walk, continuing a second-half where he’s hit just .190 with a home run, six RBIs, and two doubles. He’s managed just a .596 OPS in 106 second-half plate appearances and is a measly 8-for-50 in August.

Why Cubs fans booing Tucker is good for the Yankees

To be clear, Cubs fans had every right to criticize Tucker for his lack of hustle. The issue isn’t with the Wrigley Field showering the four-time All-Star with boos, especially not when he’s mired in such a cold streak.

However, even the most accomplished athletes don’t forget — and some don’t even consider forgiving. If Cubs fans continue sharing their frustrations with Tucker, could anyone really blame him if he decided to play elsewhere in 2026?

Despite his second half struggles, Tucker remains on pace to earn a significant free agent contract. Even if he doesn’t clear $500 million like Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. did, Tucker should command a deal exceeding $300 million ahead of his age-29 season.

After losing out on Soto and Shohei Ohtani, we expect the Yankees to make a considerable push for Tucker if he’s available. The Yankees need more left-handed bats, and ex-Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger has a $25 million opt-out clause he’d be wise to use.

We’re not ruling out the idea of Tucker sticking around in Chicago, and there’s no reason to believe the Cubs won’t pony up to give him the deal he wants. But if Tucker does sign elsewhere, some Cubs fans might add regret to whatever emotions they’re feeling in the cold Illinois winter.