MLB analyst spotlights major advantage Kyle Tucker offers Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell

Outfielder Kyle Tucker was traded by the Chicago Cubs this offseason from the Houston Astros as the NL Central team aims to get back to the postseason after missing out in 2024.

The trade was a blockbuster on Chicago's part, as the outfielder was coming off a season where a full-season projection could have landed him as an AL MVP finalist. Injuries limited him to 78 games, where he hit 23 home runs while batting .289.

Former MLB star Cliff Floyd highlighted the significant advantage outfielder Tucker could offer Cubs manager Craig Counsell.

"He's a game changer," Floyd said on MLB Network. "And I think the one thing you wonder about is the shin and how he bounces back. Does he get back to stealing bases and doing the things we see him do right here? He gets great jumps on balls.

"He has a cannon of an arm. I think he's going to destroy the NL Central as far as the ballparks go. Really, it's balls flying out of the ballpark. He's going to take that team on his back and be a difference maker. That's how big of a player I think he is."

Floyd believes that Counsell has an advantage in putting him anywhere in the lineup and would still give you what's needed.

"His slugging is just so much for a guy like Craig Counsell to insert him anywhere in the lineup," Floyd added. "He'll be a run producer, or he can be at the top of the order and be anything you need him to be in that lineup."

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Kyle Tucker comes in at No. 2 in "The Shredder's" top 10 right fielders list

MLB: Los Angeles Angels at Houston Astros - Source: Imagn

Going into the 2025 season, The Shredder released a list of the Top 10 right fielders in the majors at the moment.

When it came to right fielders, Cubs star Kyle Tucker received the No. 2 spot, trailing Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr. At No. 3 was Juan Soto, who's fresh off signing a record 15-year, $765 million, deal with the New York Mets.

Here's the entire list:

1. Ronald Acuña Jr. (Atlanta Braves) – Last year: 5
2. Kyle Tucker (Houston Astros) – 4
3. Juan Soto (New York Yankees) – No. 2 Left Fielder
4. Corbin Carroll (Arizona Diamondbacks) – Not Ranked (NR)
5. Fernando Tatis Jr. (San Diego Padres) – 9
6. Seiya Suzuki (Chicago Cubs) – Not Ranked (NR)
7. George Springer (Toronto Blue Jays) – 6
8. Teoscar Hernández (Los Angeles Dodgers) – 8
9. Adolis García (Texas Rangers) – Not Ranked (NR)
10. Josh Lowe (Tampa Bay Rays) – Not Ranked (NR)

It remains to be seen if Kyle Tucker follows up on the expectations and challenge the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Acuna Jr., Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor for the coveted NL MVP award in 2025.