Is Kyle Tucker playing today? Latest on the Chicago Cubs superstar

The Chicago Cubs are off to an undefeated start to their Cactus League schedule, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in their first two games of Spring Training on Thursday and Friday.

While Friday's starting lineup for the Cubs saw familiar faces such as Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, and Dansby Swanson make their Spring Training debuts for the 2025 season, one player who has been absent over the first two games of Spring Training for the Cubs has been newly acquired superstar Kyle Tucker.

Tucker was the topic of conversation during Craig Counsell's interview during Friday's game on the Marquee Sports Network. After New York Mets superstar Juan Soto gifted teammate Brett Baty a new car as a thank-you gesture for allowing Soto to wear the No. 22, Counsell was asked what the exchange would be after allowing Tucker to take the No. 30. Counsell jokingly replied "I'll take the playoffs."

Making the playoffs in 2025 is the primary reason why Tucker is with the Cubs this season. While the Cubs will likely explore extension talks with Tucker at the end of the season, their spending history would suggest such a deal is unlikely. Given the reality that Tucker may be one-and-done with the Cubs, fans are anxious to see the superstar on the field.

When will Kyle Tucker make his Cubs' Spring Training debut?

Tucker will not be in the Chicago Cubs' starting lineup when they play the Chicago White Sox on Saturday afternoon. Instead, Counsell told reporters on Friday that Tucker will make his Spring Training debut on Sunday when the team plays the Texas Rangers.

Tucker's Spring Training debut on Sunday should give Cubs fans a glimpse at the team's Opening Day starting lineup. Of course, Sunday's lineup likely will still be without Matt Shaw and Nico Hoerner. Shaw may get into game action later this week after suffering an oblique injury. It remains to be determined when Hoerner will make his Spring Training debut after offseason surgery.