BREAKING NEWS: Sammy Sosa Doesn’t Want Kyle Tucker to Stay with Chicago Cubs: “Cubs Shouldn’t Let Kyle Tucker Play Anymore, He’s Not…”
Chicago, IL – In a stunning and unexpected development, Chicago Cubs legend Sammy Sosa has publicly voiced his disapproval over star outfielder Kyle Tucker’s ongoing role with the team — sending shockwaves through the Cubs community and stirring major debate across the MLB landscape.
Appearing on a surprise radio interview with a Spanish-language station in Miami on Monday, Sosa was asked about the current state of the Chicago Cubs and the team’s plans for the rest of the season. While praising several young players and showing his support for the coaching staff, Sosa’s tone suddenly shifted when the name Kyle Tucker came up.
“I’m just being honest,” Sosa said firmly. “Kyle Tucker? He’s not a Cubs player. He doesn’t carry the energy, the fire, the grit. The Cubs shouldn’t let him play anymore. He’s not one of us.”
The comment immediately drew attention on social media and within sports media circles. Tucker, acquired by the Cubs earlier this year after a blockbuster trade with the Houston Astros, has been one of the team’s most consistent hitters, boasting a .297 batting average, 11 home runs, and 38 RBIs so far in the 2025 season. His quiet leadership style and composed demeanor have earned him respect inside the clubhouse — but apparently not from the Cubs’ all-time home run leader.
🔥 A Rift Between Generations?
While Sosa did not go into specific detail about what he meant by “not one of us,” many fans and analysts interpreted the statement as a reflection of old-school vs. modern baseball culture.
“It’s a generational thing,” said Cubs reporter James Langford. “Sosa played with emotion, with showmanship, with raw power. Kyle Tucker is cool, composed, and efficient. Maybe that doesn’t align with Sammy’s vision of what a Cubs star should be — but it doesn’t mean he’s wrong for the team.”
However, Sosa’s criticism has also sparked backlash, with many fans defending Tucker and calling Sosa’s comments “outdated” and “out of touch.”
“The guy literally carried us through the first two months of the season,” wrote one Cubs fan on X (formerly Twitter). “Sammy Sosa was great in his time, but Kyle Tucker is our now. Disrespectful and unnecessary.”
💬 Tucker Responds With Class
When asked about the remarks following Tuesday’s win over the Marlins, Tucker maintained his professionalism.
“I’ve got nothing but respect for Sammy,” Tucker said. “He’s a legend in this city and in this sport. I’m here to help the Cubs win, however I can. That’s all I focus on.”
Team manager Craig Counsell was quick to back his player.
“Kyle’s been phenomenal for us,” Counsell stated. “His work ethic, his presence, his numbers — all elite. Sammy has his opinions, and that’s fine. But we believe in Kyle 100%.”
🧢 A Complicated Legacy
Sammy Sosa remains a controversial figure in Chicago. While his contributions on the field are undeniable — with 545 home runs as a Cub and a legendary 1998 season that revived baseball fandom post-strike — his strained relationship with the franchise has kept him distant from official Cubs events for nearly two decades.
The team has only recently started warming up to the idea of honoring Sosa more publicly, but comments like these may put that progress on hold.
“It’s frustrating,” said longtime Cubs fan Deborah McKinley. “We want to love Sammy again. But tearing down a current Cub doesn’t help his case. Especially someone as valuable as Kyle Tucker.”
⚾ What’s Next?
The Cubs have yet to issue an official statement regarding Sosa’s comments, and it’s unlikely they will — preferring to let results speak for themselves. As for Kyle Tucker, he continues to be a cornerstone of the team’s playoff hopes in 2025, and barring injury, he’s not going anywhere.
Still, the tension between the past and present remains — reminding fans that while legacies may be built on memories, the future of baseball is always evolving.
One thing is clear: Kyle Tucker’s bat is doing all the talking — and right now, it’s saying he belongs in Chicago.