Cubs Acquire All-Star Outfielder Kyle Tucker in Trade with Astros
Chicago Pays Big Price for One of Baseball’s Best Hitters
The Chicago Cubs are acquiring All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in a trade with the Houston Astros, paying a big price for one of baseball’s best hitters, a person familiar with the situation said.
Details of the Trade
The Cubs are sending third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski, and Cam Smith, one of their top infield prospects, to the Astros for Tucker, who is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season.
Tucker’s Career and Impact
Tucker was limited to 78 games this year because of a fractured right shin, but he hit.289 with 23 homers and 49 RBIs for the AL West champions. He batted.284 with 29 homers, an AL-best 112 RBIs, and 30 steals for Houston in 2023. Tucker, who turns 28 on January 17, joins a crowded situation in Chicago’s outfield, but the Cubs are reportedly looking to trade Cody Bellinger, who also can play first base. They also have talked to Seiya Suzuki’s agent about the outfielder’s no-trade clause.
Paredes and Wesneski’s Roles
Paredes is an option for Houston at third base if Alex Bregman departs in free agency. The 25-year-old Paredes hit.238 with 19 homers and 80 RBIs in 153 games this year. He made the AL All-Star team with Tampa Bay and then was traded to Chicago in July. Wesneski, a Houston native who played college ball for Sam Houston State, likely will compete for a spot in the Astros’ rotation.
Smith’s Potential
Smith, 21, was selected by Chicago with the No. 14 pick in this year’s draft out of Florida State University. He hit.313 with seven homers and 24 RBIs in 32 games over three minor league stops, finishing the year with Double-A Knoxville.
Houston’s Perspective
Houston is hoping the addition of Paredes and Wesneski will help the team continue its impressive run as one of baseball’s best teams. It has made the playoffs for eight straight years, winning the World Series in 2017 and 2022. It was swept by Detroit in the wild-card round this year.
Conclusion
The Cubs have acquired one of baseball’s best hitters in Kyle Tucker, but at a significant cost. The trade adds depth to Chicago’s outfield, but also creates uncertainty with Cody Bellinger’s future in Chicago. The Astros, meanwhile, have added Paredes and Wesneski to their roster, which should help them continue their dominance in the AL West.
FAQs
Q: What did the Cubs give up to acquire Kyle Tucker?
A: The Cubs sent third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski, and Cam Smith, one of their top infield prospects, to the Astros for Tucker.
Q: What is Kyle Tucker’s career statistics?
A: Tucker is a.274 hitter with 125 homers, 417 RBIs, and an.869 OPS in 633 career games, all with Houston.
Q: Why did the Cubs acquire Kyle Tucker?
A: The Cubs acquired Tucker to add depth to their outfield and to potentially trade Cody Bellinger, who also can play first base.
Q: What is the significance of this trade for the Astros?
A: The trade adds Paredes and Wesneski to the Astros’ roster, which should help them continue their dominance in the AL West.
