Cubs News: Grading the Kyle Tucker Trade |
After talking about this trade for days and things coming together quickly after the Winter Meetings, the Chicago Cubs came away with their first off-season splash. Depending on what comes from it, this could be one of the better trades in franchise history.
For those who may have missed it, the Cubs finally got the start they were looking for when they acquired Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros in exchange for Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski, and Cam Smith. Although some feel giving up Smith for a rental was a stupid idea, you do have to give up talent to get talent, and the Cubs got a very talented player. What makes this move even better for the Cubs is that they were able to keep both Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki as part of this deal, as both of their names were linked to the Astros as part of this trade. That makes their lineup even more dangerous next year, but it could help set them up for more moves down the road as the Cubs are just getting started. Tucker is the definition of a superstar and has ranked right up there among the best players in the game over the past few years. Despite missing significant time last season due to a shin injury, Tucker posted another great season, hitting .282 across 78 games with 23 homers and 49 RBIs. He did that while taking more walks than strikeouts, which is why his on-base percentage was so high. Going further back on Tucker, you can see a productive hitter as he has never hit below .261 in an entire season and has had several seasons of over .300. He does that while also offering 30-plus homer power and surprising speed as Tucker stole 30 bags in 2023. The addition of Tucker not only gives the Cubs a power-hitting lefty to put right in the middle of their lineup, but this is the superstar player they have been looking for, as he will give you 30 homers and 30 stolen bases every season.
The goal would be to extend him at some point this season; otherwise, you could look at this move as a missed opportunity should they not get it done. Paredes and Smith, who may be the key to the whole thing, are going Houston's way as part of the deal. With Alex Bregman all but not returning next season, the Astros were already in the market for a 3B and have killed two birds with one stone.
Paredes is not only their 3B next season, but he can also play 1B, which gives them plenty of defensive versatility. Despite having a horrendous half-season with the Cubs, he still hit 20 homers again and will continue to be an RBI producer. Given that Houston has the short porch in left with the Crawford Boxes, Paredes could be in line for a career season, which is something the Cubs would've loved to get from him in Chicago.
Smith is the key to the entire deal, and it's arguably the piece of the deal that hurts the most. Taken in the first round by the Cubs last season, Smith broke onto the scene the moment he stepped on the field and went on to hit .313 with seven homers and 24 RBIs in less than 35 games. That included six straight games with a Low-A homer as he reached AA late in the season.
Previously ranked No. 7 in the Cubs system, Smith will instantly become a top-three prospect in the Astros system and could be fast-tracked to the majors to be their long-term answer at third. However, with Paredes also going to Houston, the Astros can take their time on Smith, but at the very worst, they have a potential big bat in the middle of their lineup who will have several years of control.
As expected, the Astros were not only looking for a high-level prospect but also wanted two MLB players. Paredes seemed to be a given, but with talks of Bellinger and Suzuki also going, it came down to who the Astros wanted more. The answer was zero, as neither of them went to Houston. Instead, RHP Wesneski will now get a fresh start with his third organization.
Acquired from the Yankees in 2022, Wesneski was a top -15 prospect in the Cubs system and broke onto the scene later that season. After going through some struggles in 2023, Wesneski responded in 2024 but still didn't live up to the hype he once had. Armed with a 96 MPH and a wicked Sweeper, Wesneski has the stuff to be a back of the rotation arm and has shown that plenty of times.
However, given his inconsistency when on the mound, how he translates at the MLB level needs to be clarified, as he will be viewed as a swing guy for now. Either way, Wesneski is getting a fresh start and will have every opportunity to make things happen this spring to impact the Astros organization.
Trade Grade: A
Anytime you trade three players (two MLB Players) for one player in return, plenty of risks are involved, but this was a risk worth taking. The Cubs knew they needed to get a superstar and did what they had to do to land one. Tucker is just what this team needs, and he is about to set this city on fire.
Now, the challenging part is finding a way to extend him. If the Cubs can do that, this deal will go down as a massive win for this team. Should he walk without an extension, then you have to wonder what more could've been done, but the Cubs are clearly in a win-now mode, and this is a move in the right direction.
