Cubs’ Star-Studded Outfield Duo Set to Dominate: Are They MLB All-Star Game Locks?

The Chicago Cubs are entering the 2025 MLB season with sky-high expectations, and their outfield might just be the key to unlocking a dominant campaign. With a revamped roster featuring the electrifying duo of Kyle Tucker and Pete Crow-Armstrong, the Cubs are poised to make waves in the National League. Add veteran Ian Happ into the mix, and you’ve got a trio that could redefine outfield excellence. But the burning question on every fan’s mind is this: Are Tucker and Crow-Armstrong locks for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game? Let’s dive into why this star-studded duo has the potential to dominate—and whether they’ll shine bright enough to earn a trip to the Midsummer Classic.

The Arrival of Kyle Tucker: A Game-Changer for the Cubs

When the Cubs traded for Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros in the offseason, it was a clear signal: Chicago is all-in for 2025. Tucker, a three-time All-Star and 2022 Gold Glove winner, brings a rare blend of power, speed, and defensive prowess to the North Side. In 2024, despite being limited to 78 games due to a shin injury, he still smashed 23 home runs, posted a .993 OPS, and showcased his elite skills. Now fully healthy and donning a Cubs uniform, Tucker is primed to take his game to new heights.

At 28 years old, Tucker is in the prime of his career. His career .514 slugging percentage and .867 OPS highlight his offensive firepower, while his ability to steal bases (he’s averaged over 20 steals per season in recent years) adds another dimension to his game. Defensively, Tucker’s arm strength and range in right field make him a nightmare for opposing baserunners. If he stays healthy in 2025, a 30-home-run, 20-stolen-base season isn’t out of the question—numbers that scream All-Star caliber.

The Cubs’ aggressive move to acquire Tucker, even knowing he’s a free agent after 2025, underscores their belief in his ability to lead them back to the postseason. Pairing him with a talented supporting cast could elevate his production even further, making him a near-certain candidate for the All-Star Game. But will he have enough competition in the crowded NL outfield to secure a spot? That’s where his dominance could set him apart.

Pete Crow-Armstrong: The Rising Star Ready to Break Out

If Kyle Tucker is the established star, Pete Crow-Armstrong is the supernova waiting to explode. The 23-year-old center fielder, acquired from the New York Mets in 2021, made his MLB debut in 2024 and quickly turned heads. While his rookie season was a mixed bag at the plate (.183 average over 66 games), his second-half surge (.310 average, .914 OPS over his final 63 games) showed glimpses of his immense potential. Defensively, he’s already a standout, with elite speed and instincts that earned him comparisons to some of the game’s best.

Crow-Armstrong’s 75-grade speed (per MLB Pipeline) is a weapon both in the field and on the bases. In 2024, he swiped 20 bags in just 66 games, hinting at his ability to become a 40-steal threat in a full season. If he can refine his approach at the plate—shortening his swing and improving his contact rate—2025 could be his breakout year. Analysts predict he’ll hit .270 with 15-20 home runs, numbers that, combined with his defense and speed, could make him a dark horse for the All-Star roster.

The question for Crow-Armstrong is consistency. He got off to a slow start in 2024 but found his rhythm later in the year. If he can carry that momentum into 2025 and avoid the early-season struggles, he’ll have a strong case to join Tucker in the All-Star conversation. The Cubs are banking on his growth, and a dynamic duo with Tucker could overwhelm NL Central opponents.

Ian Happ: The Unsung Hero of the Trio

While Tucker and Crow-Armstrong steal the headlines, Ian Happ remains a critical piece of the Cubs’ outfield puzzle. The 30-year-old left fielder is a three-time Gold Glove winner (2022-2024) and a steady offensive contributor. In 2024, he hit .248 with 25 home runs and an .803 OPS, proving he’s more than just a defensive specialist. Happ’s consistency and leadership provide the perfect complement to Tucker’s star power and Crow-Armstrong’s upside.

Happ’s All-Star chances in 2025 might hinge on a slight uptick in production—say, a .260 average with 30 homers—but his glove alone keeps him in the discussion. Together, this trio could form one of baseball’s most productive outfields, a unit capable of carrying the Cubs deep into October. But for All-Star purposes, Tucker and Crow-Armstrong are the ones to watch.

Why They Could Be All-Star Locks

The 2025 MLB All-Star Game, set for July at Truist Park in Atlanta, will feature a stacked National League outfield. Stars like Juan Soto (Mets), Ronald Acuña Jr. (Braves), and Fernando Tatis Jr. (Padres) are perennial contenders, but Tucker and Crow-Armstrong have the tools to crash the party. Tucker’s track record gives him an edge; he’s been an All-Star three times since 2021 and has the name recognition to win fan votes or earn a coach’s selection. A monster first half in 2025—think 20 homers and a .900 OPS—could make him a starter alongside Soto and Acuña.

Crow-Armstrong’s path is trickier. As a second-year player, he’ll need to outshine other young stars like Jackson Merrill (Padres) or veterans like Teoscar Hernández (Dodgers). But if he posts a .280 average with 10 homers and 20 steals by the break, his highlight-reel defense and speed could sway voters. The Cubs’ early-season schedule, including a high-profile Tokyo Series against the Dodgers, will give both players a global stage to showcase their skills.

The Competition and the Verdict

The NL outfield is a gauntlet, with Soto’s arrival in New York and Acuña’s return from injury raising the bar. Add in players like Mookie Betts (if he plays outfield for the Dodgers) and Corbin Carroll (Diamondbacks), and the All-Star spots become a premium. Tucker’s resume and projected 2025 stats make him a near-lock—barring injury, he’s almost guaranteed a reserve role at minimum. Crow-Armstrong, however, is a wild card. His ceiling is All-Star worthy, but he’ll need to prove himself against stiff competition.

So, are they locks? Tucker is as close as it gets without a guarantee—call it a 90% chance. Crow-Armstrong’s odds are slimmer, maybe 50%, but a breakout first half could tip the scales. Together, this duo has the potential to dominate the NL Central and beyond, giving Cubs fans plenty to cheer about in 2025. Whether they both make the All-Star Game or not, one thing is clear: Chicago’s outfield is must-watch baseball.