December 13 – The Chicago Cubs have acquired star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros in a trade deal, multiple reports confirmed on Friday. In exchange, the Astros will receive a package including infielder Isaac Paredes, right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski, and third-base prospect Cam Smith, according to The Athletic.
Tucker, 27, had an impressive 2023 season, batting .289 with 23 home runs and 49 RBIs in just 78 games. The three-time All-Star missed over three months this season due to a small fracture in his right shin, which occurred when he fouled a ball off it in early June. Tucker is set to make at least $15 million in arbitration for 2025 and will become a free agent at the end of the season.
Since debuting for the Astros in 2018, Tucker has played 615 career games, posting a .272 batting average, 121 homers, 133 doubles, and 408 RBIs.
Smith, 21, is ranked as the Cubs’ No. 7 prospect by MLB Pipeline. A first-round pick (14th overall) in this year’s draft, Smith is primarily a third baseman but has also seen action in left field.
Paredes, 25, was a key part of the Cubs’ roster last season after a mid-year trade from the Tampa Bay Rays. He hit 19 home runs in 2023, having previously belted 31 homers with the Rays. Paredes won’t hit free agency until 2028, offering long-term value to the Astros.
