Cubs' All-Star Offseason Addition Has Had 'Huge' Impact on Team
The Chicago Cubs acquired outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros this offseason to bolster their lineup and add a gold-glover to their outfield.
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After making the All-Star game each of the last three years in Houston, Tucker has exceeded expectations only in 2025.
On 670 The Score's Mully & Haugh Show, they asked the question of whether the Cubs would be in first place in their division if they hadn't made the Tucker trade? David Mulligan's answer was clear and straightforward.
"No, no. I think Kyle Tucker has had a huge, huge impact on this team and made them a better baseball team," Mulligan said. "And I think he's an excellent player."
David Haugh's cohost quickly agreed as Tucker leads the team in batting average, on-base percentage, and OPS.
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"I don't disagree with that. Anyone who disagrees with that doesn't watch baseball." Haugh said.
At the midway point in the season, Tucker is batting .287 with a .395 OBP and a .922 OPS. The three-time All-Star is on pace to set career highs in hits, home runs, steals, and walks, truly producing as an all-around player.
The Mully & Haugh Show also argued that Tucker's production has left a significant imprint on the production of the rest of the Cubs' offense.
Chicago's offense ranked No. 12 in runs scored in 2024, accumulating 736 runs, and ranked No. 20 in home runs with 170.
This season, the Cubs are ranked No. 2 in runs, scoring 437, on pace to shatter last year's total of 874 runs, and rank third in home runs, with 119 at the midway point.
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Tucker's impact in the Cubs' lineup cannot be understated, slotted in the No. 2 hole for most of the season. Seiya Suzuki and Pete Crow-Armstrong, who hit behind Tucker in the lineup, have had massive seasons.
Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker (30) hits a two-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fifth inning at Chase Field.Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Suzuki hit 21 home runs and collected 73 RBI in total in 2024. This year, the Cubs' slugger has already matched his 21 home runs and has 67 RBI just 80 games into the season.
For Crow-Armstrong, although it can be attributed to a year of development, the young superstar has broken out in 2025. He's hitting .272 with an .863 OPS, and has hit 21 home runs and driven in 61 runs.
Tucker's contract is up at the end of the season, and his impact with the Cubs has been monumental. He will be due for a massive deal in free agency, especially if he continues the second half of the season the way he's started in 2025.
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Related: Cubs Reportedly Calling Teams to Find Matt Shaw's Replacement Ahead of MLB Trade Deadline
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
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