Kyle Tucker returned to Wrigley Field on Monday night for the first time since leaving the Chicago Cubs in free agency, and the Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder received a loud chorus of boos from the home crowd throughout the series opener.
After the game, Tucker responded to the reception by reminding Cubs fans of the effort he gave the organization despite playing through multiple injuries during the 2025 season. His comments came after the Dodgers opened their series against Chicago as both clubs continued their postseason pushes.
The Dodgers entered Tuesday with a 69-44 record, leading the National League West by 9 games, while the Cubs sat at 65-49, 5.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central.
"I tried my hardest last year," Tucker said. "I tried playing through a hand fracture and calf thing, just trying to get back to the playoffs for them and trying to do what I could to help out the team last year with them."
The 29-year-old signed a four-year, $240 million contract with Los Angeles during the offseason after spending the 2025 campaign in Chicago. Through 106 games this season, Tucker is batting .240 with 18 doubles, nine home runs, 60 runs scored and 51 RBIs. He also went 2-for-3 with a walk and a run scored during Monday night's series opener despite the hostile reception.
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Tucker's comments highlighted the physical toll he endured during his lone season with the Cubs. While battling a fractured hand and a calf strain in 2025, he still appeared in 136 games, hitting .266 with 22 home runs, 73 RBIs and 25 stolen bases while helping Chicago reach the postseason.
The emotional return added another storyline to an important series between two National League contenders, with Tucker making it clear he believes his commitment to the Cubs during an injury-filled season should not be forgotten.
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