The Chicago Cubs made a big move on Friday by acquiring All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in a trade with the Houston Astros. To get Tucker, the Cubs gave up third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski, and one of their top infield prospects, Cam Smith.
Tucker, who is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season, had a strong performance in 2023, hitting .284 with 29 home runs, 112 RBIs (the most in the AL), and 30 steals. However, his 2024 season was cut short due to a fractured right shin, limiting him to just 78 games.
Tucker joins a crowded outfield in Chicago, but reports suggest the Cubs may trade Cody Bellinger, who can also play first base. The Cubs are also discussing Seiya Suzuki’s no-trade clause. The Cubs have finished second in the NL Central in the past two seasons, and there is pressure on team president Jed Hoyer to lead the team back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
In addition to Tucker, the Cubs also signed catcher Carson Kelly to a two-year, $11.5 million contract. Kelly, a Chicago native, played for Detroit and Texas this season, hitting .238 with 9 home runs and 37 RBIs.
Before the trade was finalized, the New York Yankees had also shown interest in Tucker. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman expressed his relief that Tucker would not be joining the AL East.
Paredes, who is now with the Astros, could fill in at third base if Alex Bregman leaves in free agency. The 25-year-old had a solid season, hitting .238 with 19 home runs and 80 RBIs. Paredes is excited about playing at Minute Maid Park, where the stadium benefits his hitting style. Astros general manager Dana Brown left the door open for a possible reunion with Bregman.
Wesneski, a native of Houston, will compete for a spot in the Astros’ rotation. He had a 3-6 record with a 3.86 ERA in 2024, with 21 relief appearances and 7 starts.
The Astros are hopeful that the additions of Paredes and Wesneski will help continue their winning ways. Houston has made the playoffs for eight consecutive years, including World Series titles in 2017 and 2022. Despite being swept by Detroit in the wild-card round this year, Brown remains confident about the team’s future.
Smith, who was drafted 14th overall by the Cubs this year, is considered an important part of the trade. The 21-year-old played well in the minors, hitting .313 with 7 home runs and 24 RBIs in 32 games.
Tucker, a first-round pick in 2015, has had a successful career with the Astros. He is a .274 hitter with 125 home runs, 417 RBIs, and an .869 OPS in 633 games. He also has extensive postseason experience with 64 games, batting .229 with 8 home runs and 28 RBIs.
As for Kelly, his two-year deal with the Cubs includes $5 million for each season, with a $7.5 million mutual option for 2027 and a $1.5 million buyout. He can earn performance bonuses each year based on the number of games he starts. The Cubs are looking to improve their depth behind the plate, joining Miguel Amaya and Matt Thaiss, who was acquired in a trade with the Angels.
