Kyle Tucker has been traded to the Cubs. The 27-year-old slugger sits at the center of a deal with the Astros. Tucker is headed to Wrigley Field, while Chicago sent two infielders and a relief pitcher to Houston.
The Astros’ front office notoriously doesn’t like dishing out big-money contracts. When George Springer and Carlos Correa were due to receive big paydays, Houston let both walk in free agency. Springer signed with the Blue Jays, and Correa had a more chaotic free agency but eventually landed with the Twins.
At least this time, the Astros got some players back in the deal and didn’t lose one of their best players for nothing. How did Houston and Chicago make out in the trade? Sporting News grades both sides of the deal.
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Kyle Tucker trade grades
Cubs receive:
Astros receive:
- IF Isaac Paredes
- RP Hayden Wesneski
- 3B Cam Smith
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Cubs grade: A-
Chicago should feel great about this trade.
The Cubs got a player they don’t have to extend, but they probably will. Tucker is one of the better all-around hitters in baseball, so locking him down as a foundational piece for the foreseeable future would be smart.
Tucker’s presence allows some protection in the outfield if the Cubs find a trade partner for Cody Bellinger.
Tucker will turn 28 before next season, entering his prime. While he only played half of the 2024 season due to injury, the career .274 hitter’s shin fracture shouldn’t linger. Not counting his injury-shortened 2024, Tucker has had at least a 5.0 WAR in each the last three seasons. Even in 2024, when he played only half the season, he had a 4.7 WAR.
Astros grade: B (…for now)
We won’t know Houston’s official grade for a few years due to the young players involved in the trade.
With Jose Abreu practically getting the yips at the plate and Alex Bregman currently a free agent, Paredes provides some needed corner-infield stability. The Astros have plenty of time to make more moves, but for now, he projects to be the Opening Day third baseman. Houston also has a short porch in left field, playing to Paredes’ pull strength. He only hit three home runs in 52 games for Chicago but knocked 31 for the Rays in 2023.
Wesneski should join the Houston bullpen. Since the Astros still have Ryan Pressly and Josh Hader, he won’t be a closer or set-up man. Wesneski figures to be used as a middle reliever or a backend starter in the rotation. He pulled double duty during his time in Chicago. Wesneski made 28 appearances last season, starting seven games. He finished with a 3-6 record with two holds and a 3.86 ERA.
The biggest question mark is Smith. He was the 14th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft and was promoted to Chicago’s AA affiliate by the end of the season. He is the 73rd overall prospect, according to MLB.com, and is expect to arrive in the big leagues in 2026. If Smith does stick to that timeline, he would likely play third base, Paredes could play first or another infield spot and current first baseman Jon Singleton could platoon.
Expectations are high for Smith, and if he can be a productive contributor to the Astros by the end of the 2026 season, this trade grade should arguably improve.
