Astros Lose Prized Kyle Tucker Trade Prospect To Season-Ending Surgery

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zach Kaplan | Last updated May 18, 2025 6:12 PM ET

When the Astros pulled the trigger on the trade that sent star outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Cubs, the players they got in return made it an unrefusable offer.

Hayden Wesneski came to Houston as part of the deal along with top prospect Cam Smith. Wesneski, the Yankees' No. 7 prospect, was dealt to the Cubs in exchange for reliever Scott Effross at the 2022 trade deadline.

On Sunday, the Astros, who already have a mounting list of key injuries, got unfortunate news on Wesneski.

Astros manager Joe Espada announced that Wesneski would miss the rest of the season due to Tommy John surgery, but is expected to be back sometime during the 2026 campaign.

Wesneski hit the IL on May 9th with elbow discomfort, and this is a recent announcement following a meeting Saturday with doctors in Arlington.

Wesneski made 22 starts and 46 relief outings for the Cubs in his three-year tenure, posting a 3.93 ERA and slightly-above average 106 ERA+.

Limited by an affliction with the long ball, Wesneski was known in the minor leagues for his strong movement and command on pitches.

Wesneski was drafted by the Yankees in the sixth round of the 2019 MLB Draft and quickly made his way up through their system.

The Astros are already beleaguered with injuries to pitchers Spencer Arrighetti, Forrest Whitley, Luis Garcia (Tommy John surgery), Cristian Javier (Tommy John surgery), and JP France (Shoulder surgery).

Losing Wesneski adds another wrinkle to what has been a difficult season for Houston.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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