Cubs trade for star outfielder Kyle Tucker |
Jed Hoyer is going for it this offseason.
The Chicago Cubs have traded righty pitcher Hayden Wesneski, third baseman Isaac Paredes and third base prospect Cam Smith for three-time All-Star Kyle Tucker. “I’ve already talked to some of Tucker’s people and he is beyond thrilled to be joining what he said was an iconic franchise”, ESPN insider Jesse Rogers said after the reports. Tucker, 28, is coming off an injury-shortened season where he hit .289 with 23 home runs and 49 RBIs in just 78 games due to a shin fracture. He is set to make around $17 million for the 2025 season and then will be a free agent. Tucker has proven to be one of the league's premier talents, as evidenced by his 2023 season, where he slashed .284/.369/.517 with 29 homers, 112 RBIs, and 30 stolen bases, finishing fifth in MVP voting. He is also a Gold Glove winner (2022), making him a stellar all-around addition to the Cubs' roster. Paredes is under team control through 2027 and is projected to make $6.9 million. In 190 innings at the MLB level, he had a 3.93 ERA and 1.17 WHIP. Wesneski had a 3.86 ERA in 28 appearances in 2024. Smith was drafted 14th overall in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft. He hit .313 with seven homers in 32 games last season. He is rated as the 78th overall prospect in baseball and ranked as the Cubs’ 7th-ranked prospect. Stay tuned for more updates on this massive trade and its implications for the Cubbies! Players are getting notified now, including Tucker. He's a Cub. Comparing Kyle Tucker to Juan Soto 😳 pic.twitter.com/eXnFHMGJM4 Full trade between the Cubs and Astros that will send OF Kyle Tucker to Chicago, per multiple reports. pic.twitter.com/kbA2Ow0KCd The Cubs just got one of the 10 best hitters in baseball.
Here's how the 2025 lineup could look (at this moment, more moves likely coming): pic.twitter.com/3uPg6yiCma
