Looking to make a major splash this offseason, the Chicago Cubs opted to bypass the free agent route — and instead make a blockbuster trade that will clearly send shockwaves through the NL Central.
It’s been reported that the Chicago Cubs have acquired star OF Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros. In exchange for Tucker, Houston added INF Isaac Paredes, prospect Cam Smith, and pitcher Hayden Wesneski.
Tucker immediately becomes the marquee player for the Cubs. The three-time All-Star is approaching his 28th birthday, and has yet to fully hit his prime. Not only is he a Gold Glove winner in right field, but Tucker can absolutely mash the baseball. He’s hit at least 29 HRs in three of the last four years. In only 78 games a season ago, he hit 23 HRs with an elite .993 OPS.
He will be a free agent after the year. However, given what the Cubs relinquished in the deal, there’s surely some confidence he’ll re-up on an extension. The deal Juan Soto received could make Tucker hit the open market where it’s very feasible to think he could command a deal north of $450 million. It’s something Chicago is gambling on, but at the very least the Cubs have a year to showcase what the franchise has to offer.
In terms of Houston, the prospect in giving Tucker a 10-year megadeal didn’t seem all that pleasing.
Paredes will immediaely slot into the lineup as an everyday player. His penchant for pulling the baseball as a right-handed hitter should pair nicely with the short porch in left field at Minute Maid Park. At only 25 years of age, he’s someone the Astros can build around on a team-friendly deal. You’re looking at a guy who could feasibly hit 30+ homers as he continues to mature.
Wesneski is a 27-year-old righty with a career 3.93 ERA in three seasons. He offers Houston versatility as both a starter and as a reliever. Wesneski is good at inducing soft contact. He’s primarily a two-pitch pitcher — throwing a sweeper nearly 41 percent of the time along with a four-seamer thrown at a rate of 37 percent. He’ll also offer a sinker and a cutter.
The jewel in this deal is unquestionably Smith. MLB.com had Smith ranked as the Cubs seventh-best prospect. The 21-year-old projects to play third base down the line. He was drafted No. 14 overall in the first round last year out of Florida State. He’s said to have an above-average arm, and is a guy with a nice blend of pop and bat speed. For the Cubs’ Double-A Affiliate, he hit .313 in 115 ABs with 7 HRs, 24 RBIs, and a 1.005 OPS.
