The Cubs’ NL Central contention is slipping as Milwaukee opens an eight-game gap with under two months left. August offense has cratered, producing just 35 runs in 12 games (29th in MLB), and Kyle Tucker’s cold spell has become the focal point: after a scorching start in Chicago, he’s slumped to a .200/.635 with one homer over 17 games after the All-Star break. 0-for-11 in a Toronto series amplified the concerns and sparked benching chatter from Cubs fans.

The Dino-era of debate shifts to how Tucker’s clock will be managed as free agency nears, with reports a deal could top $400 million. Counsell now faces lineup decisions that could ripple through the Cubs’ counting stats: Tucker’s slide drags teammates, while Happ’s status and potential rest days could carve a path for other Cubs hitters to cash in on opportunities. Fantasy managers should watch Tucker’s days off, Happ’s playing time, and any mid-season lineup reshuffles as the Cubs balance on-field needs with long-term payroll conversations.

The dynamic around Tucker’s role and the Cubs’ offensive wild-card status adds a fresh layer of intrigue for fantasy rosters, especially as the Brewers’ cushion grows and division pressure tightens. A steady hand from Counsell, paired with smart depth usage, could unlock a shift in the Cubs’ upside down the stretch, even as Tucker works to reverse the slide and justify the megadeal chatter in the rumor mill.