MLB insider believes Cubs' chances of re-signing Kyle Tucker are fading fast

Now that the Chicago Cubs have finally confirmed what many fans suspected was wrong with Kyle Tucker, the question becomes, did that confirmation essentially destroy what was already a seemingly decaying relationship between the star player and the team, as well as the city of Chicago? Some believe that the front office's revelation that Tucker both suffered a fracture in his finger and declined an IL stint might upset the outfielder.

MLB insider Jon Heyman recently made an appearance on 670 The Score and was asked his opinion on the relationship between the Cubs and Tucker. He was also asked what he thought the chances were these days of the outfielder coming back to Wrigley in 2026. On the former, he believes the relationship is fine. On the latter, he thinks chances are very slim.

Kyle Tucker not given great odds of returning to the Chicago Cubs in 2026 by Jon Heyman

"I wouldn't guess that there's a bad relationship just because they confirmed a report that he does have this injury. That would be nutty," Heyman said. "There's no reason for him to be upset at the team for that. That said, he's a few months from free agency. He certainly is having, I would assume this is probably his worst statistical season. I do think that he does have a good excuse, even if he doesn't want to admit it."

The MLB insider went on to say that the injury aside, his struggles this season could mean he wants to play his home games somewhere other than the Friendly Confines next season.

"This could be another Wrigley casualty," Heyman added. "I mean, look at Bellinger. He's been much, much more powerful in Yankee Stadium than he was at Wrigley the previous year, where he had nine home runs. This year he's got over 20 already. So, you know, and I do think generally when a player of this magnitude is in a spot for one year and is now a free agent in a couple months; it's pretty unlikely that they're able to sign him. I'm not going to say it's zero. Or 10% or that low, but I would say, you know, let's be realistic. It's got to be less than 50% at this point."

It's worth pointing out that for whatever reason, what used to be considered a hitter-friendly park has transformed into a pitcher's park, especially this season. Tucker's numbers reflect that, though obviously some of that is due to the fractured finger.

In 61 games on the road this year, the outfielder is slashing .272/.379/.481 with 12 homers and 25 extra-base hits. In just one fewer game in Wrigley, Tucker is slashing .248/.368/.410 with just six home runs and 18 extra-base hits.

Add in that Chicago Cubs fans have started booing Kyle Tucker whenever he comes to the plate, before he was sat down for multiple games this week. The writing is on the wall for this relationship.