3 desperate solutions for the Cubs' Kyle Tucker problem

After over a month of frustration, the Chicago Cubs are finally giving Kyle Tucker some much-needed time off as he attempts to reset his swing following a thumb injury he sustained earlier in the year. As the Cubs continue to slide, Tucker has been a shell of himself, not recording a single extra base hit in August and being held without a home run since July 19.

While Tucker attempts to reset his swing, here are three players the Cubs can rely on in the meantime.

Owen Caissie

After going nearly out of their way not to play him, top prospect Owen Caissie picked up his first career hit in yesterday’s 7-0 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. Caissie made his Major League debut on August 14 against the Toronto Blue Jays, but did not see any action in the recent series against Pittsburgh, save for one controversial pinch-hit appearance. Caissie is a proven hitter in the Minor Leagues, hitting 22 home runs in 93 games in 2025. With all three of the Cubs’ outfielders mired in slumps, he may be just what the lineup needs to get back on track.

Seiya Suzuki

Aside from the occasional gaffe, Seiya Suzuki has proven he can handle right field for the Cubs, manning the position for three seasons before transitioning to the designated hitter in 2025. Like many of the Cubs outfielders, Suzuki has not been swinging the bat well since the All-Star Break, but has shown signs of life as of late. Through his last 15 games, Suzuki is batting .255 with an elite OBP of .390, drawing 11 walks in the span. Should Suzuki move back to the field, expect Caissie to take his place as the designated hitter. 

Willi Castro

Since acquiring him at the trade deadline, Willi Castro has yet to make a meaningful impact for the Cubs. In 11 games for the Cubs, Castro is batting .143, picking up just one extra base hit in the process. While never a prolific hitter across his career, Castro has appeared at every position except pitcher and first base, giving the Cubs some flexibility. Castro has already made 33 appearances in right field in 2025, making him a viable option in the outfield should the Cubs need him.

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