Jesse Rogers, ESPN writer
The Chicago Cubs acquired Houston Astro outfielder Kyle Tucker in exchange for a third baseman Isaac Paredespitcher Hayden Wesneski and prospect Cam Smith, the teams announced Friday.
Tucker, 27, has a career .870 OPS in seven seasons with the Astros. He is entering his final year leading the team – meaning he will be a free agent after next season – and will likely earn around $18 million in 2025 through the arbitration process.
He will become the Cubs’ starting right fielder Seiya Suzuki relegated to his designated role as hitter – at least for now. The team still uses INF/OF Cody Bellingerbut will likely be moved to a separate industry, sources told ESPN.
Tucker played in just 78 games last season due to a shin injury, but he will still be the Cubs’ best player. The team was looking for star production on offense and may have found it in the three-time All-Star, who finished fifth in AL MVP voting in 2023.
Paredes, 25, spent half the season with the Cubs after being acquired from the Rays in July. It will probably replace, among others: Alex Bregman at third base if he leaves Houston via free agency. Paredes is a hitter who has a deadlift, useful on the short left field fences at Minute Maid Park. He hit 19 home runs last season and has a career .755 OPS in five big league seasons.
Wesneski, 27, appeared in 68 games for the Cubs, including 22 as a starter. He has played as a swingman over the past three seasons with a 3.93 ERA. He was acquired from the Yankees at the 2022 summer trade deadline.
Smith, 21, was selected 14th overall by Florida State in last year’s amateur draft. He made headlines during his brief professional debut by hitting home runs in six straight games for Single-A Myrtle Beach in August. In college, he played mainly third base.
Also on Friday, the Cubs agreed to a two-year contract with the catcher Carson Kelly. The total value of the deal is $11.5 million, sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Also includes a mutual option for 2027.
