CHICAGO — Kyle Tucker experienced his initial major league games at Wrigley Field when the Houston Astros faced off against the Chicago Cubs back in April. The conditions were chilly, but Tucker described the experience as exciting.
“The fans here are deeply passionate about their Cubs,” Tucker remarked, reflecting on the atmosphere from a visitor’s perspective. Now, he is set to experience that fervor from the other side of the field.
The Cubs recently completed a trade for Tucker, a versatile player who will bolster their lineup, which was in need of another formidable hitter. Although he participated in only 78 games this season due to a broken shin, Tucker still managed to hit 23 home runs and bring in 49 runs.
The Cubs made a significant trade-off, sending third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski, and highly touted prospect Cam Smith to Houston. However, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer expressed confidence in the decision. This is particularly true for a player like Tucker, who has eligibility for free agency following the 2025 season.
“We have a wealth of outstanding players on our roster, providing us with balance,” Hoyer stated in his initial comments following the acquisition. “Still, there was a sense that we needed a single player to consolidate our wins above replacement. Tucker, without a doubt, is one of the best players in baseball.”
Hoyer’s transaction for the three-time All-Star marks the boldest move he has made to date after the Cubs finished the season with an 83-79 record, missing the playoffs for the fourth year in a row. Additionally, the Cubs signed pitcher Matthew Boyd to a two-year, $29 million deal and agreed to terms with catcher Carson Kelly for a two-year, $11.5 million contract last week.
Following Tucker’s acquisition, Chicago had an excess of outfielders, leading to Cody Bellinger’s trade to the New York Yankees. As part of the trade for right-hander Cody Poteet, the Cubs also agreed to send $5 million to the Yankees.
This transaction allows the Cubs greater financial flexibility, likely to be directed toward strengthening their bullpen or possibly securing a veteran infielder if their top prospect, Matt Shaw, is not yet prepared to take over at third base.
“It’s still early in the offseason,” Hoyer noted prior to announcing Bellinger’s trade. “We are aware there are several players still available, and our roster is far from complete… we’re not finished yet.”
With the catching roster appearing consolidated, Kelly will join Miguel Amaya behind the plate after the Cubs traded Matt Thaiss to the White Sox for cash on Tuesday. Thaiss, 29, had been acquired from the Los Angeles Angels on November 20, also for cash considerations.
Kelly, a Chicago native, played for both the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers during the year, posting a batting average of .238 along with nine home runs and 37 RBIs over 91 games. He expressed enthusiasm about joining the Cubs, highlighting his familial ties to the team.
“It’s quite meaningful for me. My family has strong ties to the team,” Kelly said. “Although we moved when I was very young, my dad and mom both grew up as Cubs fans, and my uncle remains a resident there.”
Hoyer’s active offseason comes as he enters the final year of his contract with the Cubs. However, he dismissed any concerns that this would influence his decisions. He refrained from commenting on the potential for extension talks with the organization.
“When it comes to my situation, that’s not something I worry about… My priority is to ensure I serve the organization well,” Hoyer stated.
From Hoyer’s standpoint, executing trades like the one for Tucker—who has been one of baseball’s top hitters since 2021—is crucial. Tucker had an impressive performance this year, with a .284 batting average, 29 home runs, 112 RBIs—leading the American League—and 30 stolen bases.
As the trade unfolded, Tucker was attending the wedding of his Houston teammate Myles Straw in Florida. “It was a bit amusing managing the wedding responsibilities while trying to navigate trade calls simultaneously,” he shared.
Tucker’s journey with Houston began when the team selected him as the No. 5 pick in the 2015 amateur draft. He has participated in three World Series with the Astros, achieving victory in 2022. As Tucker approaches the possibility of free agency, he is open to discussions with Chicago regarding a long-term contract. Hoyer indicated his interest while ensuring that those discussions remain private.
“Chicago is an incredible city for baseball, and I have a great appreciation for the city itself,” Tucker expressed. “I’m open to exploring all options.”