Photo: Troy Taormina/Imagn Images

Cubs Trade for Kyle Tucker in Blockbuster Move

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Bobby Foster | Last updated Dec 13, 2024 5:50 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs made a major splash Friday by acquiring star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros in exchange for right-hander Hayden Wesneski, infielder Isaac Paredes, and infielder prospect Cam Smith, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic.

A move of this magnitude is a bit surprising considering how cautious this Cubs' front office has been since moving on from the 2016 World Series core. Tucker brings an elite bat to the North Side but will need a new contract — and a hefty one at that — after the 2025 season.

With other teams lurking in hopes of acquiring Tucker's services, Jed Hoyer needed to employ a sense of urgency to get the deal across the finish line. Parting ways with two MLB-level players and a 2024 first-round draft pick may have given other clubs pause, but the Cubs possess enough talent in their farm system to soften the blow.

Cubs are acquiring Houston Astros three-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker for 3B Isaac Paredes, RHP Hayden Wesneski and their 2024 first-round pick, 3B Cam Smith, a source confirms to the Tribune. @Chandler_Rome was on it.

Cubs land star hitter they needed.
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) December 13, 2024

Despite injuries limiting him to 79 games this past season, Tucker still provided the Astros with 23 home runs, 49 RBIs, and a .993 OPS, good for a 4.7 bWAR campaign. That type of talent has eluded the Cubs since their roster sell-off in 2021. Now, Tucker will become the face of a franchise with a solid supporting cast.

To reach the postseason, the Cubs need impact talent. Tucker is no stranger to the bright lights of October baseball as he has 64 games of postseason experience and one World Series ring on his resume.

After a quiet start to the offseason, Hoyer deserves credit for landing a true star player. The National League Central is wide open and Hoyer is providing optimism that the Cubs are "in it to win it" in 2025.

What's On Tap Next?

Now the attention turns to Cody Bellinger. The Cubs have reportedly been in discussions with the New York Yankees about a possible trade involving the former NL MVP . After losing Juan Soto to the New York Mets and letting Kyle Tucker slide to the Cubs, the reigning American League champions are searching for left-handed power.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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