Kyle Tucker has been named a starting outfielder for the National League in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, as confirmed by the Chicago Cubs. Acquired in a high-profile trade with the Houston Astros in December 2024, Tucker has proven himself as one of baseball's premier outfielders, combining exceptional power with speed. With 129 home runs and 100 stolen bases since 2021, he’s off to a stellar start this season, batting .290 with 17 home runs in 84 games.

Currently leading the Cubs, who sit atop the NL Central with a 51-35 record, Tucker’s .926 OPS ranks him sixth in the league. The Cubs are reportedly keen on extending his contract before he hits free agency this summer. Teammate Pete Crow-Armstrong shares the All-Star spotlight, reflecting the Cubs' impressive rise, as they aim for a World Series run this October.

The Cleveland Guardians continue to struggle, losing their sixth consecutive game after a 5-4 defeat to the Chicago Cubs. Despite taking an early 3-0 lead, the Guardians saw their advantage slip away as the Cubs mounted a comeback, highlighted by Seiya Suzuki's impressive performance with two hits and three RBIs. Shota Imanaga delivered a solid start for the Cubs, pitching into the sixth inning while limiting Cleveland's offensive threats.

Ryan Pressly, Caleb Thielbar, and Brad Keller combined to keep the Guardians scoreless in the later innings. Cleveland managed to score in the ninth with a sacrifice fly from Steven Kwan, but failed to secure the win. The Guardians' batting woes continued, with only twelve runs scored across their last six games, underscoring their need for offensive adjustments.

The Chicago Cubs face a vital decision regarding Kyle Tucker, expected to hit free agency soon. If they can't present a competitive offer for the left-handed outfielder, they risk losing him to another team, especially since Tucker is projected to command a contract worth between $500 to $600 million. To attract him, the Cubs must demonstrate a commitment to winning, highlighted by decisive actions before the trade deadline.

One strategy under consideration is moving on from Matt Shaw, a promising 23-year-old infielder whose performance has declined. Shaw's OPS has dropped significantly, and the Cubs may not have the luxury to wait for his resurgence in a season where they aim for immediate success. As such, bolstering their roster through trades could be crucial to signal their dedication to contending.

The Chicago Cubs are facing a tough stretch this season as injuries plague their starting rotation. Despite a strong first half, the team’s pitching depth is being tested. Javier Assad, who was expected to contribute, is still sidelined due to an oblique strain, having not pitched at all this season. General Manager Carter Hawkins shared that while Assad could potentially return in August or September, the team will not rush his recovery. This cautious approach aims to ensure his health for the crucial late-season games. While the prospect of Assad returning feels like a mid-season acquisition, it underscores the need for the Cubs to seek additional pitching help as they look towards the trade deadline.

The Chicago Cubs face a crucial offseason as they look to secure a long-term deal with star outfielder Kyle Tucker. After acquiring Tucker through significant trades, the Cubs are in a position to make a competitive run in 2025, but his future remains uncertain. President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer acknowledged Tucker's immense value to the team and the need to keep him, but a potential bidding war looms if negotiations stall.

With impressive stats this season—.290 batting average, .926 OPS, 17 home runs, 20 stolen bases—Tucker's performance has elevated his market value. As the Cubs currently lead the NL Central, trading Tucker is likely a last resort, but if they sense he will not re-sign, they may need to consider it to avoid losing him for nothing.