Cubs’ painful reality hits again after Kyle Tucker’s Silver Slugger honor

The Chicago Cubs were well represented among the National League Silver Slugger finalists, with Nico Hoerner, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Kyle Tucker all getting a nomination. The Cubs, as a team, were also nominated for National League team of the year. Overlooking the concerning trends of the offense during the second half of the season and into the playoffs, the nominations were a reminder that the offense carried the team to first place in the National League Central during the opening months of the season.

The National League Silver Slugger Award winners have been revealed, and Tucker took home the honor among National League outfielders.

Considering how Tucker's season ended, some Cubs fans may be surprised by the selection. The fact is that Tucker's production during the first half of the season had him on pace for a career year and was at the center of the Cubs' success.

During the opening months of the season, Tucker slashed .280/.384/.499 with a wRC+ of 145 and 17 home runs. While those numbers took a nosedive during the final two months of the season, the fact that the award is determined by National League managers and their coaching staffs speaks to the reputation that Tucker still carries.

Kyle Tucker’s Silver Slugger win is another harsh truth for Cubs fans

It's an important reminder for the Cubs' front office as free agency gets underway. Despite the lack of availability and prolonged slump to close out what was likely his only season with the Cubs, Tucker is in line for a hefty payday this offseason. A recent projection from The Athletic's Jim Bowden suggests that Tucker's contract could exceed $400MM.

The Cubs remain unlikely to reach that level in their interest in bringing Tucker back, but his Silver Slugger nod should add some urgency for Jed Hoyer in replacing his offensive impact.

It'll be easier said than done for the Cubs, considering third base is the only viable spot where they could upgrade offensively. However, with Matt Shaw being a Gold Glove finalist, a front office focused on run-prevention may not be willing to take him out of the lineup.

If that is the case, the struggles of the offense that were evident in the playoffs may become the theme of the 2026 season. Especially if Tucker is playing elsewhere.