We are excited for Shohei Ohtani’s return to the mound, aren’t we? His bat is phenomenal and his pitching? What else but good! Ohtani put up incredible numbers in 2024, snagging the NL MVP title. But as we’re about to enter a new season, will there be the same energetic and enthusiastic Shotime?

Maybe. Maybe more. Considering the two-way phenom will show why he is called the two-way. But some insiders think otherwise. Not only did they ignore that Shohei Ohtani will be pitching, but they have put it out there that someone else might receive the NL MVP title this year – Kyle Tucker. 

In a recent ESPN article, MLB experts were asked to highlight the players and storylines they’re most excited to see as baseball gears up for 2025. Talking about players who switched teams over the winter, Alden Gonzalez had a standout pick: Kyle Tucker. “I still don’t think enough people realize how good he is,” he mentioned.

Well, he’s got a point. Over the last few seasons, Tucker has silently established himself as one of the best, yet his name often doesn’t get the deserved attention.

From 2021 to 2023, Tucker was in rare company, with only 14 players accumulating more FanGraphs Wins Above Replacement (WAR) than he did. His performance during that stretch was solid, but the 2024 season had the potential to be his breakout year. Tucker was on fire in the first half, posting a stellar 1.175 OPS by June 3, before a shin fracture derailed his momentum and kept him sidelined for three months. As Gonzalez points out, “Free agency is nine months away, with a massive payday approaching,” which gives Tucker even more incentive to prove himself this season.

“Tucker might be my pick for NL MVP,” Gonzalez did not hesitate to add.  

Kyle Tucker’s arrival gives the Cubs a legitimate star in the heart of their order

Right after the World Series, the Cubs wasted no time getting to work, reaching out to teams about potential trade targets. One of their key objectives was to find a star outfielder to boost their offense, and Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros was at the top of their preferences. So, the conversation with the Astros started and gained serious momentum during the Winter Meetings.

After a few weeks, the Cubs pulled off a blockbuster trade acquiring Tucker in exchange for third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski, and highly regarded third-base prospect Cam Smith, who was ranked No. 73 overall by MLB Pipeline.

Kyle Tucker’s addition is huge for manager Craig Counsell, who now has a proven offensive weapon to build around. With a lineup that has plenty of depth but lacked that true standout bat, Tucker fills that void. His power and ability to get on base will help take some of the pressure off the rest of the hitters, and his presence in the middle of the order gives the Cubs a real shot at pushing for the playoffs in 2025.

Well, Tucker is also on the positive end as the Cubs have been solid over the past two seasons, each time winning 83 games but ultimately falling short of the playoffs.  

Now, do you think Kyle Tucker will be able to prove his worth to the Chicago Cubs?