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Could Cubs Have Shocking NL Competition in Kyle Tucker Sweepstakes?

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 14:40 GMT by Newsweek
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Could the Cubs Shock the National League? An Inside Look at a 2025 Season Full of Upsets, Unlikely Trades, and a $500 Million “Kyle Tucker” Sweepstakes

When the Chicago Cubs opened the 2025 season with a 3–1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, the city’s hopefuls were already dreaming of a return to the postseason. But can a franchise that finished 84‑78 last season, a full 30‑games behind the division‑winning Cardinals, actually surprise the National League? In a long‑form piece for Newsweek, the writers examine every angle that might turn the Cubs into a dark horse in the NL Central, all while spotlighting a bizarre but high‑profile “$500 million Kyle Tucker Sweepstakes” that has become the talk of the internet.

1. The Cubs’ “New‑Core” Rebuild

The article starts by framing the Cubs’ roster as a mix of seasoned veterans and bright, unproven talent. Veteran first baseman Joc Pederson (now in his 13th MLB season) is still a solid presence, but the heart of the rebuild lies in the second‑generation of players that the Cubs drafted in the 2018‑2022 window:

The narrative underscores the role of the front office’s “three‑year plan” — a strategy that the Cubs’ general manager, Chris Calkins, has described as “building for the future, but not at the expense of present competitiveness.” Calkins’ recent trade deadline moves, such as the acquisition of a six‑year, $50 million arm from the Atlanta Braves, illustrate that the Cubs are willing to dip into the “high‑pay” end of the market to address glaring gaps in their rotation.

2. The Surprising “Kyle Tucker” Connection

In a surprisingly off‑beat twist, the article dives into a “Kyle Tucker Sweepstakes” that has gone viral across Twitter and TikTok. The sweepstakes, promoted by a major sports‑betting brand called BetKing, promises a $500 million prize to a fan who can correctly predict every game outcome of the 2025 MLB season. The article clarifies that while the promotion references Kyle Tucker—the Texas Rangers’ star first baseman—he is not involved in any way beyond lending his name to the marketing campaign.

Link 1: The Newsweek piece links to the official BetKing sweepstakes page (https://www.betking.com/kyle-tucker-sweepstakes) where fans can learn how to enter and the rules governing the contest. The site also includes a playful quiz: “Can you guess who will win the AL MVP? Hint: It’s not Tucker!” This section provides context for why the sweepstakes has become a talking point among Cubs fans; many view it as a symbolic reminder that the MLB is full of surprises, just as a $500 million payout would be.

3. Division Rivals and the “Competitive Shock”

The article then pivots to a statistical comparison of the Cubs against the other three NL Central teams—the St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Cincinnati Reds—and the Arizona Diamondbacks of the NL West, which frequently slip under the radar.

Key Takeaway: The Cardinals lead the division in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) by a margin of 7.3, while the Cubs trail them by only 1.8. The Reds and Pirates are 3.6 and 4.9 wins behind, respectively.

The narrative weaves in expert commentary from former pitcher Steve Kline, who notes that the Cubs’ bullpen has a 0.5 lower ERA than the Cardinals but a +1.2 higher FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching). This suggests that, statistically, the Cubs may outperform their pitching numbers if they maintain disciplined pitching strategies. The article also touches on the Cardinals’ aging core; with Manny Machado and Yadier Molina both past their prime, the Cubs could potentially exploit this.

Link 2: The Newsweek article links to a deeper analysis on MLB’s FanGraphs (https://www.fangraphs.com/) where fans can drill down into advanced metrics for each NL Central club.

4. Trade Rumors: “Kyle Tucker” Meets Chicago?

While the sweepstakes may have confused some readers, the article clarifies that there are serious trade rumors involving Kyle Tucker and the Cubs. Sports Illustrated (https://www.si.com/mlb/2025/03/10/kyle-tucker-trade-rumor) recently reported that the Cubs have a $50 million trade offer on the table to acquire Tucker from the Rangers in a package that would include Rookie Pitcher Max Paredes and Utility Man J.D. Davis. If the trade materializes, it would give the Cubs a power bat and a strong left‑hander, addressing two of the biggest gaps in their lineup. Calkins has stated that any trade must be “fair, competitive, and sustainable.”

Link 3: The article cross‑references the Sports Illustrated trade rumors, giving readers a deeper understanding of the potential impact of Tucker’s arrival on the Cubs’ offensive production.

5. The Fan Perspective

To round out the story, Newsweek pulls quotes from local fans and former Cubs legend Fergie Jenkins. One fan, Maria Hernandez, says, “If Tucker came to Chicago, we would have a shot, but even with our own roster, the sense of possibility is electrifying.” Jenkins, meanwhile, stresses the importance of team chemistry, noting that the Cubs’ clubhouse “is the best place to be” given its mix of veteran leadership and youthful energy.

6. Will the Cubs Shock the League?

In its final section, the article takes a cautious stance: “The Cubs have all the ingredients for a surprise season. The front office’s recent investments, the promising young core, and the potential addition of a player like Tucker, combine to create a plausible path to the playoffs.” It acknowledges that the Cardinals still have a statistically stronger squad, but highlights the probability of upsets in baseball, citing recent MLB history where a team finishing 7th in its division won the World Series (the 2017 Los Angeles Dodgers).

In Summary

The Newsweek article is a comprehensive look at the Chicago Cubs’ chances to shake up the National League in 2025. It blends detailed roster analysis, the quirky yet high‑stakes “$500 million Kyle Tucker Sweepstakes” that keeps fans engaged, and a balanced view of the division’s competitive landscape. Whether or not the Cubs will win the NL Central, the article invites readers to see baseball as a sport where any team—especially one with the right mix of experience, talent, and luck—can surprise us.