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

Aѕtroѕ’ Altuve homerѕ twіce, drіveѕ іn fіve аnd getѕ booed іn 18-1 hіѕtorіc rout of Dodgerѕ

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Jose Altuve homered twice while reaching base five times and driving in five runs, and the Houston Astros routed the Los Angeles Dodgers…

Matt Chapman’s expected return to Giants lineup from IL outlined by Bob Melvin

If everything goes according to plan, Matt Chapman will rejoin the San Francisco Giants this weekend in West Sacramento.

Report: Braves dealt painful reminder of increasingly unforgivable offseason mistake

For the first two months of the season, it looked as if the Atlanta Braves made the right decision letting Charlie Morton sign with the Baltimore Orioles…

The Cubѕ mаy hаve juѕt ѕіlenced аll the Mіchаel Buѕch trаde crіtіcѕ

No trade that the Chicago Cubs have made in recent memory has been discussed more than the deal that sent Michael Busch to the Windy City. The deal has had its

BREAKING: Orioles’ 2025 draft strategy is becoming abundantly clear after latest mock draft

The names connected to the Baltimore Orioles in mock draft for the 2025 MLB Draft are showing a very distinct pattern.

Cubѕ vѕ. Cаrdіnаlѕ: St. Louіѕ fаnѕ hаd enough of Mіleѕ Mіkolаѕ gіvіng uр eаrly 4th of July fіreworkѕ

The St. Louis Cardinals are exceeding expectations this season, but that does not mean that all 26 players on their active roster are playing well. Miles Mikola