
This isn’t just a cold spell for Kyle Tucker of the Chicago Cubs. This is a 38-game slide that has wrecked one of baseball’s most consistent five-tool stars. Tucker’s batting .189 over that stretch, with just four extra-base hits, one home run, and 26 groundouts to second base — the dreaded “Summer of 43” special.
The meltdown boiled over Monday night at Wrigley. Tucker smashed his bat into the ground, spiked his helmet, and even failed to run out a slow grounder hugging the line. Wrigley Field faithful showered him with boos. That’s when manager Craig Counsell stepped in. On Tuesday, in a doubleheader against Milwaukee, Tucker didn’t play at all. Counsell called it a “reset.”
Free Agency Cloud, But Star Power Still Intact
This slump won’t tank Tucker’s free agency stock unless it spirals through September. His résumé speaks too loudly. Over the past five years, only six players have posted more WAR than Tucker’s 25.1: Judge, Soto, Ohtani, Ramirez, Semien, and Betts. That’s elite company.
Tucker’s combination of power, contact skills, baserunning, and Gold Glove-caliber defense still makes him one of the most complete players in the sport. Corey Seager hit free agency after five years with 14 WAR and landed $325 million. Tucker? He’s logged nearly double the value. He’s going to get paid — slump or no slump.
What’s Really Wrong
Mechanically, Tucker’s out of sync and SI breaks it down fully. Counsell admitted he’s not “connected.”
- His barrel is coming in too steep, chopping at the ball.
- His hands are drifting away from his core, creating length — less whip, less speed.
- He’s more upright at contact instead of staying compact and powerful.
- His top hand is rolling over, robbing him of extension and loft.
Add all that up, and instead of driving fastballs into the bleachers or sending off-speed pitches the other way, he’s rolling over weakly — feeding the second baseman highlight reels.
Tucker’s previous career-worst slump ended with a bunt single, don’t expect that trick again. No, Tucker will announce his return when he launches a fastball into Wrigley’s left-center basket or leans on a slider and sends it soaring into the right-field bleachers with that trademark high two-hand finish.