Making it in MLB as a rookie is brutal. The leap from the minors to baseball’s biggest stage isn’t just about skill; it’s about adjusting to speed, pressure, and scrutiny most players have never faced before. Even the most hyped prospects often stumble early. However, the Cubs are reportedly building something that could be very real over the next few seasons. A balanced mix of young talent, rising stars, and reliable vets — a blueprint for sustainable success. Well, MLB insider Jim Bowden doesn’t think so.

The Cubs’ recent transactions seem to have a lot of misses. It started with trading the power hitter Cam Smith for Kyle Tucker. Now they have optioned their top prospect, third baseman Matt Shaw, to Triple-A Iowa following a challenging start to his MLB career. Hence, the two biggest prospects just moved away from the Cubs this year. What’s left? Kyle Tucker!

Bowden feels it’s now or never for the Cubs with Tucker. “You don’t make the Kyle Tucker trade if you think you’re going to be there long-term,” Bowden said.

After trading Smith and optioning Shaw to the minors, the Cubs has nothing left but to retain Tucker at any cost.  While Tucker is all set to hit free agency post-2025, it would be a debacle for the Cubs. Well, you cannot just let go of a slugger with 130 HRs and 436 RBIs. Once he hits free agency, there will be no coming back for him, leaving the Cubs in the losing cause.

For reference, Trea Turner has a $300 million deal, and Aaron Judge has a $360 million deal. But Tucker has a better all-around profile than Turner and will hit the market younger than Judge did. So, it’s not just hype. If Kyle Tucker hits free agency in his prime, there’s a very real chance his contract exceeds $350 million.

Would the Cubs be able to pull off such a stunt with Tucker? Then get ready to break the bank.

However, the Cubs cannot afford to lose Tucker after trading Cam Smith. “You don’t give up six years of Cam Smith for what appears to be one year of Kyle Tucker, so you have to do everything you can to win right now.” Bowden issued a dire warning to the club to go for Tucker, land him a deal, or get busted.

So, now that Cam Smith is gone and no deal for Tucker, it seems like the demotion of Shaw might prove costly for the team.

Matt Shaw’s demotion is uncalled for by the Cubs

Matt Shaw’s minor league resume reads like a blueprint for a future star. Before getting a taste of the big leagues, he wasn’t just performing — he was dominating. Well, 29 home runs, 28 doubles, and 8 triples in the minors? That’s loud. However, the hype was short-lived. It was a tough transition from Triple-A to MLB, and for Matt Shaw, the early results with the Cubs were a cold splash of reality. A .172 BA doesn’t justify Shaw enough, making him go back to the basics again.

However, Bowden is not on the same page. “Twenty games isn’t enough. So either you made them make the team before he should have, or you sent him out too quickly, in my opinion. I just think it’s disappointing that you send a rookie out after only 20 games. I just don’t like that idea.”

Bowden understands that even top-tier hitters — especially those who rise quickly — are going to struggle at first. Shaw’s ascent through the minors was rapid, and skipping seasoning at Triple-A for long stretches makes the leap to MLB even more jarring. How could a hitter be evaluated based on 70 plate appearances? A minimum of 500 appearances should work, though. Anyhow, Shaw is away from the MLB scene.

The best option? Let Shaw groom himself in the minors and go hard for Kyle Tucker. Well, the Cubs have no other options left here. Tucker has already started his MVP journey this year. Tucker has commenced the season impressively, hitting 5 home runs in 14 games and leading in total bases, indicating consistent extra-base hits. Prioritizing Tucker’s retention could be crucial for the Cubs’ success this season.

What do you project on Tucker’s performance this year? Hit the comment section below.