Cubs fans didn’t see this coming from Kyle Tucker after his rough finish

How?!
New York Mets v Chicago Cubs
New York Mets v Chicago Cubs | Matt Dirksen/GettyImages

It's become frustrating for Chicago Cubs fans to talk about the existence of Kyle Tucker on the Cubs' roster. Given the magnitude of the season that was in front of Jed Hoyer last offseason, it made all the sense in the world for Hoyer to act with the urgency he did in prying Tucker away from the Houston Astros. Tucker had been one of the best players in baseball for the last several years, and the Cubs needed an impact bat.

Tucker provided instant validation of that fact during the first half of the season, producing at an MVP pace. However, injuries led to a prolonged slump during the second half, leaving many wondering if the Cubs had already seen the best version of Tucker pass them by. The conversation around Tucker shifted from praise to annoyance, and it feels like each side will go their separate way after the playoffs are over.

Major League Baseball, however, wants to throw one final reminder to Cubs fans about the idea of Tucker. MLB revealed the Hank Aaron Award finalists for each league, and Tucker surprisingly made the field of candidates for the National League.

Cubs fans left scratching their heads after Kyle Tucker’s surprise award nomination

The award is meant to recognize the best offensive player in each league, and with Tucker making a case for being one of the league's worst offensive players over the final two months of the season, it is a surprise to see him be recognized as a finalist. Especially when a player on his own team, Michael Busch, probably has a stronger case.

On the season, yes, Tucker's numbers are very strong with a slash line of .266/.377/.464 with a wRC+ of 136 and 22 home runs. It speaks to how great he was during the first half of the season, considering he only slashed .231/.360/.378 during the second half with 5 home runs.

Nonetheless, Cubs fans have the chance to do the funniest thing and vote for Tucker. Think of it as a way to show Tucker that many of the Wrigley Field faithful still want him around next season. However, his chances of winning it are about as long as the chances of him returning to the Cubs in 2026.

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