Kyle Tucker DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker did not have his first regular-season game with his new team go as planned. Batting third, the 28-year-old went 0-for-4 in the Tokyo Series Game 1 4-1 loss to the Dodgers. Tucker's poor start with the Cubs started before Monday, as he was slashing just .043/.233/.174 in 30 spring plate appearances. Fantasy managers should not put too much emphasis on numbers from such a small sample size, particularly for players with Tucker's track record. He has proven to be a five-category, first-round caliber player throughout his career. Despite missing a good chunk of the 2024 season with a shin injury, Tucker slashed .289/.408/.585 with 23 home runs, 56 runs scored, 49 RBI, and 11 stolen bases in 339 plate appearances. Fantasy managers still to draft should not shy away from Tucker as a top-tier fantasy pick.

Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker finally collected his first hit of the spring season on Sunday, a solo home run in the third inning of an 8-6 Cactus League loss to the Giants. The left-handed hitter flied out in his only other at-bat during the contest. That brings his spring batting average to .048, now 1-for-21 with five walks and seven strikeouts. No need to panic, and it should not depress his outlook for the season, but managers who already drafted or were considering drafting the 3x All-Star would love to see him get on a roll as we head towards Opening Day. ATC projections foresee a 30/20 season for the 28-year-old, and he's worthy of a top 10 fantasy draft pick.

According to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, the Chicago Cubs are unlikely to extend outfielder Kyle Tucker. Mooney noted that even though the Cubs were unsuccessful in their pursuit of third baseman Alex Bregman, the team's next moves are expected to be "very modest." In addition, the team is aware that Tucker will likely explore his options at the end of the season when he reaches the open market. Earlier in the offseason, the Cubs acquired the superstar in exchange for third baseman Cam Smith, infielder Isaac Paredes and right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski. However, the Cubs are likely to be very interested in resigned Tucker at the end of the season, especially if they make a deep postseason run. Even though he was limited by a shin contusion last season, Tucker was very productive across 78 games as he held a .289/.408/.585 line. He should be viewed as a consensus first-round selection in all formats this season, as he carries five-category upside and an elite eye at the plate.