Kyle Tucker Goes Hitless In Monday Tokyo Series Opener
Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker did not have his first regular-season game with his new team go as planned. Batting third, the 28-year-old went 0-for-4 in the Tokyo Series Game 1 4-1 loss to the Dodgers. Tucker's poor start with the Cubs started before Monday, as he was slashing just .043/.233/.174 in 30 spring plate appearances. Fantasy managers should not put too much emphasis on numbers from such a small sample size, particularly for players with Tucker's track record. He has proven to be a five-category, first-round caliber player throughout his career. Despite missing a good chunk of the 2024 season with a shin injury, Tucker slashed .289/.408/.585 with 23 home runs, 56 runs scored, 49 RBI, and 11 stolen bases in 339 plate appearances. Fantasy managers still to draft should not shy away from Tucker as a top-tier fantasy pick.
Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker finally collected his first hit of the spring season on Sunday, a solo home run in the third inning of an 8-6 Cactus League loss to the Giants. The left-handed hitter flied out in his only other at-bat during the contest. That brings his spring batting average to .048, now 1-for-21 with five walks and seven strikeouts. No need to panic, and it should not depress his outlook for the season, but managers who already drafted or were considering drafting the 3x All-Star would love to see him get on a roll as we head towards Opening Day. ATC projections foresee a 30/20 season for the 28-year-old, and he's worthy of a top 10 fantasy draft pick.
According to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, the Chicago Cubs are unlikely to extend outfielder Kyle Tucker. Mooney noted that even though the Cubs were unsuccessful in their pursuit of third baseman Alex Bregman, the team's next moves are expected to be "very modest." In addition, the team is aware that Tucker will likely explore his options at the end of the season when he reaches the open market. Earlier in the offseason, the Cubs acquired the superstar in exchange for third baseman Cam Smith, infielder Isaac Paredes and right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski. However, the Cubs are likely to be very interested in resigned Tucker at the end of the season, especially if they make a deep postseason run. Even though he was limited by a shin contusion last season, Tucker was very productive across 78 games as he held a .289/.408/.585 line. He should be viewed as a consensus first-round selection in all formats this season, as he carries five-category upside and an elite eye at the plate.
Cubs Not Expected To Extend Kyle Tucker During The Season
According to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, the Chicago Cubs are not expected to sign outfielder Kyle Tucker to a "mega-extension" during the 2025 season. Mooney noted that while he does believe the team will lay the groundwork for an extension, Tucker will likely enter the free-agent market following the 2025 season. Earlier in the offseason, the Cubs traded third base prospect Cam Smith, infielder Isaac Paredes, and right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski to acquire the superstar outfielder. Last season, Tucker missed time due to a shin injury but was very effective when on the field. Across 78 games, Tucker posted a .289/.408/.585 line with 23 home runs and 11 stolen bases. He generated an elite .400 xwOBA, which suggests he is poised for a bounce-back in 2025. Tucker should have an everyday role in right field and will be the top priority for the Cubs to resign after the season.
According to Jesse Rogers of ESPN, Kyle Tucker and the Chicago Cubs agreed to a one-year contract worth $16.5 million to avoid arbitration. Earlier this offseason, both sides were unable to come to an agreement, but both sides were able to sign a contract before spring training. The Cubs traded for the superstar earlier this offseason in exchange for top prospect Cam Smith, infielder Isaac Paredes, and right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski. Tucker battled a shin injury throughout the 2024 season, which limited him to just 78 games of action. However, the 27-year-old performed to his typical level as he posted a stellar .289/.408/.585 line with 23 home runs and 11 stole bases. In 2023, Tucker posted a .284/.369/.517 line with 29 long balls and 30 stolen bases. Tucker should be considered a top outfielder in all formats and a consensus first-round selection.
According to Jesse Rogers of ESPN, outfielder Kyle Tucker and the Chicago Cubs could not come to a settlement on a salary for 2025. As a result, both sides will now exchange arbitration figures. Tucker was acquired by the Cubs earlier this offseason in a blockbuster trade that sent top prospect Cam Smith, third baseman Isaac Paredes, and right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski to the Houston Astros. Tucker is one of the best outfielders in the sport, as he posted a stellar .289/.408/.585 slash line with 23 home runs and 11 stolen bases across 78 games last season. Tucker missed time due to a shin fracture. Under the hood, the 27-year-old generated a stellar .400 xwOBA with a strong 16.5% strikeout rate and a 15.9% walk rate. Given his elite bat and speed, Tucker is viewed as a consensus first-round pick in all formats.
The Chicago Cubs have acquired star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros on Friday in exchange for infielder Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski and third base prospect Cam Smith, according to sources. The Cubs and New York Yankees were the most aggressive suitors for Tucker, who is eligible for free agency after the 2025 campaign. With Tucker now in tow, the Cubs will move to trying to offload Cody Bellinger's bloated contract. In addition, Chicago could quickly look to get Tucker signed to a long-term contract extension if they want to keep the three-time All-Star around for more than just one season. The 27-year-old Tucker was limited to only 78 games in 2024 due to a fractured shin, but he still managed 23 homers and 11 stolen bases. From a power/speed perspective alone, Tucker is a first-round fantasy talent, and his move to Chicago shouldn't do anything to change that.
Cubs Close To Acquiring Kyle Tucker From The Astros
The Chicago Cubs are close to acquiring All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros on Friday for a package led by infielder Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski and third base prospect Cam Smith, according to sources. The Astros have also been looking closely at prospect Matt Shaw, but it's unclear if he'll be included if this trade goes down. If Chicago is able to land Tucker, one of the best all-around players in the game, they will most likely look to sign him to a long-term contract extension as well, as he's set to become a free agent after the 2025 campaign. Despite missing half of the 2024 season due to a fractured shin, Tucker still managed 23 home runs and 11 stolen bases and walked more than he struck out. The three-time All-Star has an incredibly high fantasy floor and should remain a first-round fantasy asset if he's moved to the Windy City. Stay tuned.
Isaac Paredes, Cam Smith Being Discussed In Potential Kyle Tucker Trade
The Chicago Cubs continue to work hard on acquiring All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros, and corner infielder Isaac Paredes and third baseman Cam Smith are the primary names being discussed. In addition to the Cubs, the New York Yankees have been involved with trying to acquire the left-handed-hitting Tucker after they failed to re-sign superstar outfielder Juan Soto. Paredes, 25, was traded from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Cubs in 2024. He wasn't as good with Chicago, hitting .223 with three homers and 25 RBI in 52 games played. There's bounce-back potential for Paredes if he heads to Houston after he hit 31 homers a year ago with Tampa. Smith, 21, is the Cubs' No. 7 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, is quickly rising up prospect ranks after hitting .313/.396/.609 with seven homers in 32 games in the minors in his first pro season after Chicago took him 14th overall in the 2024 draft. UPDATE: Talks between the Astros and Cubs are "gaining momentum."
In addition to the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs, the New York Post's Joel Sherman lists the San Francisco Giants and Philadelphia Phillies as teams interested in trading for Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker this offseason. The soon-to-be 28-year-old left-handed slugger will be a free agent after the 2025 season and could command a contract worth up to $500 million on the open market, so the Astros are willing to see if they can get something in return before potentially losing him next offseason. Houston is prioritizing major-league-ready corner infielders and starting pitchers if they were to trade Tucker away. Keep in mind the Astros are bracing to also lose free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. After the signing of lefty Max Fried, the Yankees could be more motivated to trade starters Marcus Stroman, Nestor Cortes or even Luis Gil.
Kyle Tucker
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