Cubs add Kyle Tucker from Astros, sources

The Cubs make a splash by landing three-time All Star Kyle Tucker from the Astros.

The Chicago Cubs are acquiring Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker in exchange for third baseman Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski and prospect Cam Smithsources told Jeff Passan of AM850.

Tucker, 27, has a career .870 OPS over seven seasons with the Astros. He is entering his final year of team control, which means he will be a free agent after next season, where he is likely to earn around $18 million through the arbitration process.

He will become the Cubs’ starting right fielder with Seiya Suzuki relegated to the designated hitter role, at least for now. The team still employs INF/OF Cody Bellinger, but he is likely to be dealt in a separate trade, sources told AM850.

Tucker played in only 78 games last season due to a shin injury, but he will remain the Cubs’ best player. The team has been searching for star-quality production on offense, and they may have found it in the three-time All-Star who finished fifth in the voting American League Most Valuable Player in 2023.

Paredes, 25, spent half a season with the Puppies after being acquired from the Rays last July. He will likely serve as Alex Bregman’s replacement at third base if he leaves Houston via free agency. Paredes is a pull-hitter, useful for the short fences in left field at Minute Maid Park. He hit 19 home runs last season, split between Tampa Bay and Chicago. He has a career OPS of .755 in five seasons of Major Leagues.

Wesneski, 27, has appeared in 68 career games for the Cubs, including 22 as a starter. He has a career 3.93 ERA pitching as a swingman (he performs both starter and reliever duties) over the past three seasons. He was acquired from the Yankees at the summer 2022 trade deadline.

Smith, 21, was the 14th overall pick out of Florida St. in last year’s amateur draft. He made headlines during his brief professional debut, homering in six straight games for Single-A Myrtle Beach last August. He primarily played third base in college.