The Cubs are buying proper fielder Kyle Tucker from the Astros, sources confirmed to the Chicago Solar-Instances. Third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski and third base prospect Cam Smith will head to Houston within the deal.
Tucker has been an All-Star every of his final three seasons and picked up a Gold Glove in 2022 and a Silver Slugger the following yr. He posted a .993 OPS final yr, touchdown him among the many Prime 10 within the majors.
An affect bat like Tucker’s is precisely what the Cubs had been lacking from their offense final yr, after they completed twelfth in run-scoring, dropping from sixth the yr earlier than. A Might and June workforce hunch finally sunk the Cubs’ playoff probabilities, regardless of an end-of-season resurgence.
The yr earlier than, when the Cubs completed with a plus-65 run differential, outfielder Cody Bellinger’s bounce-back season lifted the offense. However he handled a damaged finger and damaged ribs this previous season, each lacking time and enjoying by way of ache due to the accidents.
Shortstop Dansby Swanson led the workforce in WAR, based on FanGraphs (4.3), however his protection performed a big function in that determine. The identical goes for second baseman Nico Hoerner (3.9 WAR), who was subsequent on the checklist.
“In the end, groups win all in all sizes and shapes,” Hoyer mentioned Monday. “And having nice defenders everywhere in the discipline actually helps. However, sure, you’ll be able to’t lose sight of offense.”
Tucker, who’s projected to make north of $15 million in arbitration this yr, is ready to hit free company for the primary time after the 2025 season.
