The Chicago Cubs are bringing in a new offensive weapon, acquiring All-Star right fielder Kyle Tucker in a trade with the Houston Astros on Friday. by multiple reports.
In exchange, the Astros will reportedly receive three players: infielder Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski and third base prospect Cam Smith.
Tucker has played his entire career with the Astros, beginning in 2018. He won a World Series with the team in 2022 and has earned several awards in recent seasons, including three All-Star selections, a Gold Glove (2022) and a Silver Bat (2023). Tucker missed time this season due to a right shin injury, but still received his third consecutive All-Star selection.
In 2024, Tucker finished with a .289/.408/.585 line. The 27-year-old outfielder had 80 hits, 49 RBIs and 23 home runs, in addition to snagging 11 stolen bases.
Paredes, the 25-year-old infielder leading the Astros’ comeback, finished the season hitting .238 with 19 home runs. He started the season in Tampa but was traded to Chicago at the trade deadline. Paredes plays third and first base and will be a versatile infielder for the Astros. Houston will be Paredes’ fourth MLB team in his short career.
Wesneski, who has a career 3.93 ERA, made his MLB debut with Chicago in 2022. The right-hander was traded to the minors at the start of the 2024 season.
Smith was Chicago’s first-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, and the Cubs selected him 14th overall out of Florida State.
The Tucker trade is likely to create a domino effect, with the New York Yankees likely looking to reach deals with both teams. The Yankees could opt to trade Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger now that Chicago has brought in another strong outfielder, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengaleand could also make a play for former Astros third baseman and free agent Alex Bregman.