The Chicago Cubs made a significant move on Friday by trading for All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros, marking a major acquisition for the team. The deal involved the Cubs sending third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski, and top infield prospect Cam Smith to Houston in exchange for Tucker, who is slated to become a free agent after the 2025 season.
Tucker’s 2023 season was marred by injury, limiting him to just 78 games due to a fractured right shin. However, during his time on the field, he managed an impressive batting average of .289 with 23 home runs and 49 RBIs for the AL West champions. In the previous season, he had an outstanding year, recording a .284 batting average, 29 home runs, an American League-leading 112 RBIs, and 30 stolen bases.
Turning 28 on January 17, Tucker heads to a busy outfield in Chicago. The Cubs are reportedly exploring trading Cody Bellinger, who can also play first base, and are discussing Seiya Suzuki’s no-trade clause with his agent. After finishing second in the NL Central with an 83-79 record for the last two consecutive years, there is mounting pressure on Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer to lead the team back into the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Later the same day, the Cubs confirmed a two-year contract worth $11.5 million with catcher Carson Kelly, a Chicago native. Kelly had played for Detroit and Texas in the past season, achieving a .238 batting average with nine home runs and 37 RBIs across 91 games.
Prior to the completion of the trade, the New York Yankees were also in contention for Tucker. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman commented on the negotiations, expressing relief that Tucker would not be joining their division: “At the end of the day I’m glad that Mr. Tucker is not in the American League East or the American League at all. But it’s a big get for the Chicago Cubs.”
For the Astros, Paredes presents a viable option at third base if they lose Alex Bregman in free agency. The 25-year-old Paredes had a batting average of .238, with 19 home runs and 80 RBIs over 153 games this past season. He made the AL All-Star team while with Tampa Bay before being traded to the Cubs in July. Paredes expressed excitement about playing at Minute Maid Park, noting its favorable conditions for his hitting style: “I feel very happy. It’s not only a beautiful stadium, but it’s a stadium that benefits my hitting.”
Despite acquiring Paredes, Astros general manager Dana Brown has not ruled out a possible reunion with Bregman, stating, “Pretty much Alex Bregman’s status is still the way it is. Nothing has changed since the last time I’ve talked to you guys.”
Wesneski, who is from Houston and played college baseball at Sam Houston State, will also vie for a spot in the Astros’ rotation. The right-hander, who celebrated his 27th birthday on December 5, recorded a 3-6 record with a 3.86 ERA over 21 relief appearances and seven starts in the previous season. He spent some time on the injured list with a right forearm strain.
Wesneski expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Astros, calling it “a dream-come-true kind of thing.” Meanwhile, Houston aims to maintain its status as one of baseball’s top franchises, having made the playoffs for eight consecutive years, winning the World Series in both 2017 and 2022. After being swept by Detroit in the wild-card round this year, Brown reassured fans, saying, “Look, make no mistake. We’re still going to compete.” He added that the trade was designed to bolster the team for future success without sacrificing current performance.
In addition to Paredes and Wesneski, the deal also includes Smith, a promising 21-year-old selected by the Cubs at No. 14 in this year’s draft from Florida State University. Smith showcased solid numbers, achieving a .313 batting average, seven home runs, and 24 RBIs in 32 games across three minor league levels, finishing with Double-A Knoxville. Brown expressed excitement about the addition of Smith, highlighting his power, hitting ability, and athleticism.
Tucker, drafted by the Astros in 2015 as the fifth overall pick, made his MLB debut in 2018. He broke out in 2021 when he hit a career-high .294 with 30 home runs and 92 RBIs in 140 games, later earning a Gold Glove award in the following season. Over his career, Tucker boasts a .274 batting average, with 125 home runs, 417 RBIs, and an .869 OPS across 633 games— all with Houston. He has also appeared in 64 postseason games, achieving a .229 average along with eight home runs and 28 RBIs.
Regarding Kelly’s new contract, he will receive $5 million annually over the next two seasons, with a mutual option for 2027 valued at $7.5 million and a $1.5 million buyout. Additionally, Kelly is eligible for performance bonuses throughout his contract, potentially earning $500,000 for each of the next three seasons based on games started.
The Cubs are looking to bolster their catching depth, with Miguel Amaya also in the mix after a career-high 117 games played this past season and Matt Thaiss, who was obtained in a trade with the Angels on November 20.
