Kyle Tucker #30 of the Houston Astros
What started as mere trade rumors at the Winter Meetings has now officially come to fruition: Kyle Tucker is headed to the Chicago Cubs in a blockbuster deal that is sure to have major implications for both the 2025 MLB season and fantasy baseball leagues everywhere.
The Cubs have acquired the 27-year-old star outfielder from the Houston Astros in exchange for a package that includes third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski, and infield prospect Cam Smith. The trade was confirmed by ESPN’s Jeff Passan late on December 13, 2024, and it’s already sparking waves of excitement and intrigue around the league.
Let’s dive into what this means for both teams—and what we can expect from Kyle Tucker in his new home.
What the Cubs Are Getting: One of Baseball’s Best
When you acquire a player like Kyle Tucker, you’re getting one of the most complete hitters in the game today. Since breaking into the major leagues with the Houston Astros in 2020, Tucker has been a top-tier talent, and his consistent production has only solidified his status as a star. Over his four-plus years as a regular, Tucker has hit .274/.353/.516 with 125 home runs and 94 stolen bases in 633 games. Not to mention, he’s made the All-Star Game in each of the past three seasons and finished fifth in the 2023 MVP voting.
Even though a shin injury sidelined him for part of the 2024 season, Tucker was still putting up career-best numbers before going down, slashing .209/.408/.585 with 23 home runs and 11 stolen bases over 78 games. And here’s the thing—Tucker is one of the most well-rounded players you’ll find in the game. He doesn’t just hit for power; he controls the strike zone, walks at an impressive clip (16.5% in 2024), and rarely strikes out, making him a tough out for any pitcher.
His ability to get on base and generate power is reflected in his stellar Baseball Savant numbers, where he ranks in the 93rd percentile or better in expected batting average, slugging, and weighted on-base average (xWOBA). What makes Tucker even more dangerous is his stolen base ability—while he’s not an elite base-stealer, few players get better jumps than him, making him a consistent threat on the base paths.
Tucker’s Fit With the Cubs
Tucker is a perfect fit for any lineup, but his new role with the Cubs is especially intriguing. It’s likely that he’ll bat second, sandwiched between second baseman Nico Hoerner and Seiya Suzuki (or perhaps a designated hitter, more on that in a moment). Tucker has a strong history against the NL Central, with a .397 average and a 1.143 OPS against his new division, which should bode well for his transition to Chicago.
While Wrigley Field isn’t exactly known as a left-handed hitter’s paradise, Tucker’s expected slugging percentage suggests he’ll continue to hit for power, regardless of park factors. And with 81 road games in more favorable stadiums, expect Tucker to continue mashing at a high level.
What This Means for the Cubs’ Outfield
On the surface, this trade might seem like a strange fit. After all, the Cubs already had a pretty solid outfield with Suzuki, Ian Happ, and Cody Bellinger. However, this trade could signal the end of one of those players’ time in Chicago. While Suzuki has expressed reluctance to play designated hitter, it seems like a real possibility he could be moved there—especially with Tucker now locked into right field.
More likely, though, is that Cody Bellinger could be on the move. Bellinger opted into his $27.5 million contract for 2025, and with no clear role for him in the outfield, it’s easy to see the Cubs exploring trade options for him. The New York Yankees have been rumored to be interested in Tucker, and they could potentially pivot to Bellinger, who would fit in well as an outfield option for New York.
The Astros’ Return: A Mixed Bag
From the Astros perspective, this trade certainly has its risks. They’re parting ways with a star in Tucker, but they are getting some solid pieces in return.
- Isaac Paredes: The third baseman was part of a trade from the Rays earlier this season but struggled in a brief stint with the Cubs, hitting just .233 with a .633 OPS. However, Paredes had a strong 2023 campaign with 31 homers and a .792 OPS, and his power numbers could play well in Minute Maid Park, especially with the short left-field fence. He could be a solid contributor for Houston, though his performance will need to improve for him to justify Tucker’s departure.
- Hayden Wesneski: The former top pitching prospect has shown flashes of potential, but injuries and inconsistent results have hindered his development. Wesneski spent part of 2024 in the bullpen, posting a 3.67 ERA over 21 appearances. The Astros may give him another shot at starting, but he remains a high-risk, high-reward option.
- Cam Smith: Smith, a 2024 first-round pick out of Florida State, has the tools to become a solid regular, with a strong hit tool and enough power to make an impact. While he’s still developing, he’s already proven to be one of the Cubs’ top prospects.
Fantasy Implications: The Move to Make
For fantasy baseball enthusiasts, this trade has major implications. Tucker’s move to Chicago doesn’t diminish his value at all—if anything, he could be even more valuable playing in a more hitter-friendly division. Expect Tucker to remain a first-round pick in all formats.
As for the Astros’ return, Paredes is likely to see an uptick in value, especially with his new home park in Houston. Wesneski is a wait-and-see prospect, while Cam Smith is an intriguing player to keep an eye on in dynasty formats.
Conclusion: A Star in Chicago
The Cubs just added a star—and not just any star, but one of the best all-around players in baseball. Tucker’s combination of power, contact, patience, and speed will make him an immediate impact player in Chicago’s lineup. While the Astros are getting some interesting pieces in return, no one can deny that this trade leaves a void in Houston’s outfield. Tucker’s move to the Cubs is one of the most exciting moves of the offseason, and it sets up a fascinating 2025 campaign for both teams.
Whether you’re a Cubs fan, an Astros supporter, or a fantasy baseball aficionado, this trade is sure to have a lasting impact for years to come.
