Tucker’s MVP Quest! Kyle Tucker Vows to Overcome Early Struggles and Take Home the Hardware
Kyle Tucker is stepping into the 2025 season with a clear goal: winning his first National League MVP award. Now a key part of the Chicago Cubs’ revamped roster, Tucker knows that achieving such an accolade will require a career-best performance. Even with early struggles in spring training, he remains one of the top candidates to contend for the award.
At 28 years old, Tucker is in his prime and has been a consistent force over the past four seasons, averaging a 5.3 bWAR per year. While that production level places him on the fringe of MVP contention, a strong surge in 2025 could push him into the elite 7.0+ bWAR territory—a mark that has often defined past MVP winners.
One major obstacle in his path is Shohei Ohtani, who remains the favorite to dominate the MVP race again. However, after his second Tommy John surgery, Ohtani’s ability to pitch in 2025 is still in question. If his impact on the mound is limited, the door could open for a player like Tucker to step in and claim the award.
Tucker has two key motivators heading into the season. First, this is his contract year, meaning a massive payday looms if he delivers a career-best performance. Players in this position often elevate their play, and Tucker has the talent to do just that. Second, if he matches or exceeds his previous best season—his 5.7 bWAR campaign in 2021—the Cubs’ success could help boost his MVP case.
Despite his early struggles in spring training, Tucker has plenty of time to find his rhythm. If he delivers at an elite level and the Cubs make a deep playoff run, his MVP dreams could become a reality.
