It remains highly unlikely that the Chicago Cubs will re-sign Kyle Tucker this offseason. They haven’t been known to be involved with him in any aspect in free agency, and the front office is simply not going to commit six to seven years to him.
Potentially losing that impact bat atop the Cubs’ lineup could hurt the overall offense in 2026. However, if hitters like Seiya Suzki continue to be dangerous hitters at the plate, Chicago will be just fine without Tucker.
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Suzuki is coming off a career year in 2025, in which he hit. 245 with 32 home runs, 31 doubles, and 103 RBI across 151 games. Although he did see consistent at-bats, the loss of Tucker could mean the Japanese slugger moves back to right field full-time.
He only played in the field in 48 of his 151 games last year. In those 48 games, Suzuki did a fine job in both left field and right field when Ian Happ and Tucker were out with injuries. But his bat was the highlight of his 2025 campaign.
That same power has to be on display from Suzuki throughout the 2026 season. He was one of the Cubs’ best power hitters this past year and has the potential to post similar numbers again in Year 5.
The Cubs also fully believe in Suzuki and what he can do offensively.
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“I think Seiya had a really good season,” manager Craig Counsell told reporters at the Winter Meetings. “It’s funny, Seiya really struggled in August and the first half of September. Then, the second half of September and through the playoffs was absolutely excellent. I’m very happy for Seiya how he performed in the playoffs. I think he was a very dangerous hitter, and I think he showed what he can really do and the impact he can have. Then, defensively, I did think he played very well.”
There were certainly plenty of highs and lows from Suzuki across the 2025 season. He only hit .220 with one home run and 25 strikeouts from August 1 to September 3. But then batted .308 with five home runs and 12 RBI in his final seven regular season games.
That hot stretch to end the year continued into the postseason, where Suzuki hit three home runs and had a hit in seven of the team’s eight playoff games. Those types of stretches are why the Cubs believe in Suzuki.
That could also be a reason why the Cubs are fine to let Tucker walk in free agency. Suzuki showed he can carry the load at the top of the lineup and looked solid in the outfield in his limited appearances.
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The key for him in 2026 will be just showing more consistency at the plate. Suzuki went through different rough slumps throughout the year and became a major liability in the lineup when he was off his game.
However, when he is locked in at the plate, Suzuki is one of the better power hitters in baseball.
