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.
Astros Targeting Seiya Suzuki, Isaac Paredes In Potential Kyle Tucker Trade
The Houston Astros are targeting Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki and infielder Isaac Paredes in a possible trade for outfielder Kyle Tucker, according to sources briefed on the team's talks. The two teams have exchanged a variety of names in discussions, and any package for Tucker would also likely included prospects. Houston is also interested in third baseman Cam Smith, who was a first-rounder earlier this year. A source says the Cubs are highly unlikely to trade Suzuki and would prefer to unload Cody Bellinger's contract this offseason in a separate trade. Tucker is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season, so the Astros could be wanting to get something in return if they feel they won't be able to re-sign him. After Juan Soto's huge deal, Tucker, one of the best hitters in baseball, could command a deal of at least $400 to $500 million. The Yankees are another team pursuing a trade for Tucker.
According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees are two teams that have shown interest in trading for Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker, but the Astros are comfortable with keeping him in Houston for his walk year like they did with third baseman Alex Bregman in 2024. Even though Tucker missed a large chuck of this past season due to injury, he remains one of the best overall players in baseball, so any team looking to acquire him in a trade is going to have to give up a lot. The fact that the Astros are even listening to trade offers on Tucker means they are likely nervous that they won't be able to re-sign him next offseason. The 27-year-old will be a nice consolation for contending teams that lost out on Juan Soto, as Tucker, a former fifth overall pick in 2015, has a career .274/.353/.516 slash line with an .870 OPS and has averaged 28 homers in the last four years.
The Houston Astros are receiving trade inquiries on outfielder Kyle Tucker this offseason, according to multiple people familiar with the talks. It could cause a bidding war for one of the best overall players in the game. Sources think that general manager Dana Brown is open to trading one of Tucker or left-hander Framber Valdez, both of whom are set to make more than $15 million during their final year of arbitration eligibility. Houston is already shopping reliever Ryan Pressly as they look for ways to clear payroll. No trade discussions are currently serious for Tucker. A trade of Tucker or Valdez would bring the kind of prospect talent that would help the Astros replenish their floundering farm system. Although Tucker missed considerable time in 2024 with a shin injury, he'll still be a highly coveted fantasy bat next year. The three-time All-Star has 20.9 wins above replacement since becoming a regular in 2020, which is fourth-best among MLB outfielders.
Kyle Tucker Starting On The Bench In Series Finale
Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker will get the day off on Wednesday for the series finale against the division-rival Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park a day after the Astros clinched the American League West division title. With Tucker on the bench, Jason Heyward will make the start in right field and bat sixth against Mariners right-hander George Kirby. Mauricio Dubon is in left field and in the eight-hole. Tucker fractured his shin fouling a ball off his ankle in early June and didn't return until Sept. 6. Since his return, he's picked up right where he left off and then some, going 18-for-53 (.340) with four home runs, two doubles, eight RBI, 10 walks and a stolen base in 16 games played. Houston is going to need Tucker to continue swinging a hot bat if they want to make another deep postseason run. Heyward has gone hitless in three career at-bats against Kirby and is tough to recommend in DFS in the difficult matchup.
Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker reached base in all five plate appearances in Saturday's 10-4 win over the Angels. The lefty slugger went 4-for-4, homering for the second straight game and reaching via a double, two singles, and a walk. The 27-year-old scored once and collected two RBI as well. The 3x All-Star missed three months after fouling a ball off his shin, but since coming off the IL it doesn't appear that he's missed a beat, going 17-for-42 (.405) with three home runs, seven RBI, 11 runs scored, and a stolen base. The former first-round draft pick looked like an MVP contender before succumbing to injury. When Tucker's out there he's one of the best multi-category producers for fantasy, now with a .289-22-47-53-11 line on the season through 73 games played, which would be closer to .289-42-89-100-21 if he were to get around 600 plate appearances.
Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker is absent from the starting lineup ahead of Wednesday's game against the San Diego Padres. The Astros have been extremely careful with Tucker since his return from a shin fracture. He has already been absent from the lineup a handful of times since returning a few weeks ago. The good news is that Tucker has moved back to the outfield after being limited to the designated hitter spot when he first returned. In his absence, Jason Heyward will cover right field and bat seventh versus right-hander Dylan Cease. Heyward is slashing .235/.278/.441 with six RBI since joining the Astros roster in late-August. He'll be an avoidable streaming option against a elite arm in Cease.
Kyle Tucker
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