CHICAGO (670 The Score) — Cubs great Sammy Sosa famously sprinted out to right field ahead of each game at Wrigley Field, saluting the Bleacher Bums in a show of his famous bravado.
Ahead of the Cubs' home opener Friday afternoon, new star right fielder Kyle Tucker wasn’t quite sure how he would great the fans. His style is much more reserved than Sosa's.
“I’m just happy to be here,” Tucker said after finishing batting practice. “Ready to get this game underway.”
After two games in Tokyo, four in Phoenix and three in Sacramento, the Cubs returned to Chicago for their home opener against the Padres on Friday. They did so boasting higher expectations as Tucker's arrival has helped renew hope in Wrigleyville.
Tucker, 28, is a three-time All-Star who earned a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger award as part of a strong eight-year tenure in Houston. He was traded from the Astros to the Cubs in December ahead of his contract season in 2025.
Tucker has started strong for the Cubs, as he's hitting .324 with four home runs, 11 RBIs and a 1.228 OPS in nine games. Tucker and the Cubs improved to 5-4 thanks to a three-game sweep of the Athletics in Sacramento earlier this week.
The Cubs recognize the pressure to produce this season. Following back-to-back 83-win campaigns and without a playoff berth since 2020, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer is especially under fire.
“We’re certainly a better team than we were last year,” Hoyer said Friday. “Both on paper and in reality, I think we’re a better team. Obviously, now, it’s about going out there and playing. The offseason is for talking about the team on paper, and the season is for going out and doing it. We have to go out and do it. But certainly, we’re a better team.
“Excited to get going.”
Hoyer and Tucker each have just one year remaining on their respective contracts, so they each have plenty to prove in order to determine their futures.
Hoyer's objective is to guide the Cubs back to the postseason for the first time in five years. Helping the Cubs in that regard is a weak NL Central that's there for the taking once again. In theory, Hoyer could earn a contract extension with a division crown and a playoff appearance.
As for Tucker, a strong season would put him in line to land one of the biggest contracts in MLB history just one season after Mets superstar outfielder Juan Soto set the standard by signing a 15-year, $765-million deal.
The Cubs hope to see Tucker become their next franchise superstar and sprint out to right field for many home openers beyond Friday, but that’s a matter that's likely to be decided next offseason.
For now, the Cubs are opening up Wrigley Field with hopes of having a breakthrough in 2025.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.