Chicago Cubs acquiring all-star outfielder Kyle Tucker in trade with Houston Astros

Author of the article:

Chicago Cubs acquiring all-star outfielder Kyle Tucker in trade with Houston Astros

Associated Press

Jay Cohen

Published Dec 13, 2024  •  Last updated 48 minutes ago  •  3 minute read

Chicago Cubs acquiring all-star outfielder Kyle Tucker in trade with Houston Astros
Kyle Tucker of the Houston Astros reacts after hitting a home run. Getty Images
The Chicago Cubs are acquiring All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in a trade with the Houston Astros, paying a big price for one of baseball’s best hitters, a person familiar with the situation said.

Advertisement 2

Chicago Cubs acquiring all-star outfielder Kyle Tucker in trade with Houston Astros

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

  • Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
  • Get exclusive access to the Edmonton Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
  • Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
  • Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
  • Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

  • Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
  • Get exclusive access to the Edmonton Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
  • Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
  • Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
  • Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

  • Access articles from across Canada with one account.
  • Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
  • Enjoy additional articles per month.
  • Get email updates from your favourite authors.

THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

  • Access articles from across Canada with one account
  • Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
  • Enjoy additional articles per month
  • Get email updates from your favourite authors

Sign In or Create an Account

or

Article content

Article content

Article content

The person spoke to The Associated Press on Friday on condition of anonymity because the move was pending a review of medical reports.

The Cubs are sending third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski and Cam Smith, one of their top infield prospects, to the Astros for Tucker, who is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season.

Tucker was limited to 78 games this year because of a fractured right shin, but he hit .289 with 23 homers and 49 RBIs for the AL West champions. He batted .284 with 29 homers, an AL-best 112 RBIs and 30 steals for Houston in 2023.

Tucker, who turns 28 on Jan. 17, joins a crowded situation in Chicago’s outfield, but the Cubs are reportedly looking to trade Cody Bellinger, who also can play first base. They also have talked to Seiya Suzuki’s agent about the outfielder’s no-trade clause.

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

Article content

Advertisement 3

Article content

Recommended from Editorial

  1. Yankees to acquire closer Devin Williams from Brewers for Nestor Cortes, Chad Durbin
  2. Columbus Blue Jackets cancel ‘Russian Heritage Night’ after backlash from Ukrainian fans

The Cubs have finished second in the NL Central with an 83-79 record in each of the past two years, and there is increased pressure on president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer to get the team back into the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

Paredes is an option for Houston at third base if Alex Bregman departs in free agency. The 25-year-old Paredes hit .238 with 19 homers and 80 RBIs in 153 games this year. He made the AL All-Star team with Tampa Bay and then was traded to Chicago in July.

Wesneski, a Houston native who played college ball for Sam Houston State, likely will compete for a spot in the Astros’ rotation.

Advertisement 4

Article content

The right-hander, who turned 27 on Dec. 5, went 3-6 with a 3.86 ERA over 21 relief appearances and seven starts this year. He was on the injured list from July 20 to Sept. 20 with a right forearm strain.

Houston is hoping the addition of Paredes and Wesneski will help the team continue its impressive run as one of baseball’s best teams. It has made the playoffs for eight straight years, winning the World Series in 2017 and 2022. It was swept by Detroit in the wild-card round this year.

While Paredes and Wesneski could have an immediate impact, Smith also was a key component of the deal.

Smith, 21, was selected by Chicago with the No. 14 pick in this year’s draft out of Florida State University. He hit .313 with seven homers and 24 RBIs in 32 games over three minor league stops, finishing the year with Double-A Knoxville.

Tucker was Houston’s first-round pick in 2015, taken No. 5 overall. He made his big league debut with the Astros in 2018.

Tucker had a breakout performance three years after his debut, hitting a career-best .294 with 30 homers and 92 RBIs in 140 games in 2021. He won a Gold Glove the following year.

The Tampa, Florida, native is a .274 hitter with 125 homers, 417 RBIs and an .869 OPS in 633 career games — all with Houston. He also has appeared in 64 postseason games, batting .229 with eight homers and 28 RBIs.

Article content

Related Posts

🚨 BOMBSHELL: BLUE JAYS CLOSE IN ON A BLOCKBUSTER SWAP FOR A $75 MILLION METS STARTER, a bold prediction is now igniting serious buzz as JoJo Parker and Ricky Tiedemann emerge at the center of a potential franchise-shifting deal. What once felt like pure speculation is quickly gaining momentum across social media as insiders hint at a move that could reshape both teams overnight. This looming trade could flip the balance faster than anyone expects..ll 👇👇👇

The Toronto Blue Jays enter the 2026 season facing a familiar yet increasingly urgent question, as injuries begin to test the depth of their starting rotation and…

🚨 CONFIRM: METS SET TO HONOR CARLOS BELTRAN WITH AN EMOTIONAL NO. 15 RETIREMENT, a long-awaited tribute that’s already stirring deep memories among fans. What began as a celebrated career is now coming full circle as anticipation builds across social media for a night filled with legacy and reflection. This ceremony could redefine how a generation remembers one of the franchise’s most impactful stars..ll 👇👇👇

The New York Mets have announced a historic tribute that will forever cement Carlos Beltrán’s legacy within the franchise, as the organization prepares to retire his iconic…

🚨 EXCLUSIVE: COWBOYS PULL OFF A SILENT HEIST AS A $33 MILLION TALENT SLIPS AWAY FROM THE NFC WEST, a move that’s now sending shockwaves through rival front offices. What looked like a routine signing is quickly being redefined as a game-changing steal that fans can’t stop buzzing about across social media. This bold grab could quietly tilt the balance of power and ignite a dangerous new chapter in Dallas..ll 👇👇👇

THE DALLAS COWBOYS ARE BEING WIDELY PRAISED FOR MAKING ONE OF THE SMARTEST MOVES OF THE 2026 FREE AGENCY PERIOD. Iп a sυrprisiпg aпd aggressive shift from…

🚨 CONFIRM: DODGERS WITNESS AN INSTANT IMPACT AS KIM HYE SEONG SHINES IN HIS FIRST START, delivering clutch hits and a defensive moment that’s already turning heads across the league. What seemed like a routine lineup change quickly transformed into a breakout performance fans can’t stop talking about on social media. This unexpected spark could be the beginning of a rising force Los Angeles didn’t know it needed this early..ll 👇👇👇

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Kim Hye-seong, left, forces out Daulton Varsho of the Toronto Blue Jays during the clubs’ Major League Baseball regular-season game at Rogers Centre…

🚨 DOUBLE BLOW: White Sox Lose Austin Hays to Injury and Fall to Orioles — A Painful Night That Raises Bigger Concerns 👇 Chicago Stunned: Injury Strikes at the Worst Time as Momentum Slips Away — How This Loss Could Linger Beyond One Game.

The Chicago White Sox added insult to injury on Monday evening. With a chance to get back to. 500 after a shocking series sweep of the Toronto…

🚨 REPORT: DODGERS UNLEASH A TRANSFORMED FORCE AS ALEX FREELAND’S DRASTIC SWING CHANGE IGNITES AN UNEXPECTED SURGE, a quiet adjustment is now turning heads across the league faster than anyone anticipated. What looked like a routine tweak is suddenly being talked about everywhere as analysts and fans notice a breakout that feels anything but accidental. This rising momentum could signal something much bigger brewing in Los Angeles..ll 👇👇👇

The decision by the Los Angeles Dodgers to include Alex Freeland on their Opening Day roster immediately sparked debate across baseball circles, as analysts and fans alike…