The Chicago Cubs aren’t getting a complete face-lift for the new season, but their roster additions are very intriguing.

The Cubs will have a totally different look, after making some serious transactions this offseason.

The most consequential addition to the 2025 Cubs will be left-handed hitting outfielder, Kyle Tucker.

Signed as a free agent off the roster of the Houston Astros, this scout is still trying to understand how Houston allowed Tucker to leave.

Obviously, the Astros moved on from Tucker because he can become a free agent after the conclusion of the next World Series.

But…he’s a really good, multiple-tooled player.

In fact, to this old scout, Tucker is one of the best hitters in baseball. And he’s getting better.

Tucker, 28, presents a dominating force in the middle of the Cubs lineup.

About Kyle Tucker:

Once very lean, with long levers, Tucker has developed into a solid, 6-4, 212 pound, power hitting right fielder.

Kyle Tucker was a 1st round selection of the Houston Astros in the 2015 Major League Baseball draft.

Tucker hit .484, with 10 home runs, and 10 stolen bases when he was named the Baseball America High School Player of the Year in 2015.

Tucker, the 5th overall player taken in that draft, was given a $4 million signing bonus by the Astros.

Signed out of H.B. Plant High School in Tampa, Florida, Tucker made his major league debut in July 2018, at the age of 21.

At the time of the draft, Tucker was very highly regarded, with huge upside in both his overall hitting capabilities, and his power potential.

Tucker entered the draft with an overall scouting grade of 60, which equates to a player with All Star quality tools.

And an All Star he has been; in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Tucker won A Silver Slugger Award for outfielders in 2023.

Tucker is the younger brother of former MLB outfielder, Preston Tucker.

After he was selected by Houston, Tucker jumped to the top tier of the Astros prospects.

Not only does Tucker hit with power from his slight uppercut swing, but he plays outstanding outfield defense. He won a Gold Glove in 2022.

Tucker has very quick hands through the ball. He handles inside pitches very well, shifting his hands and getting his swing out front of the pitch.

Tucker brings a career .274 batting average, with 135 doubles, 16 triples, 125 homers, and 417 RBIs in 2,561 plate appearances, covering 633 Astros games.

Tucker has stolen 94 bases in his career, getting caught stealing only 13 times.

Last season, Tucker suffered a fractured shin, which put him out of action in June. He missed almost three months of the 2024 season.

Tucker hit .289/.408/.585/.993 with 13 doubles, and 23 home runs last year for the Astros in 339 plate appearances.

Other 2025 Cubs Editions:

Kyle Tucker won’t be the only new face in the Cubs clubhouse.

The Cubs have strengthened their bench, and have added two good starters to their rotation. They have also bolstered their bullpen.

Almost every phase of the Cubs roster was positively impacted by offseason acquisitions.

In addition to Kyle Tucker, the team also added:

Carson Kelly-C (free agent off the Texas Rangers roster)

Gage Workman-INF (Rule 5 Draft Pick off the Detroit Tigers roster)

Vidal Brujan-INF- (Trade with Miami Marlins)

Matthew Boyd-LHSP (Free agent off the Cleveland Guardians roster)

Colin Rea-RHSP (Free agent off the Milwaukee Brewers roster)

Eli Morgan-RHRP (Trade with Cleveland Guardians)

Caleb Thielbar-LHRP (Free agent off the Minnesota Twins roster)

To this scout, Kyle Tucker leads the way for a much improved Chicago Cubs team that can contend for a playoff berth, and potentially win the National League Central Division.

Kyle Tucker is a winner.

The other new Chicago Cubs additions will add much needed depth to the team’s roster.

To this old scout, Kyle Tucker will bring far more in quality production than the recently departed Cubs outfielder, Cody Bellinger.