Ivy League Cubs

By: Ethan Diamond

After days of rumors and trade talks, it’s finally happened.

The Cubs today agreed to a blockbuster trade with the Houston Astros, acquiring star outfielder Kyle Tucker. In exchange for Tucker, the Cubs sent third baseman Isaac Paredes, right handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski, and infield prospect Cam Smith to Houston.

Tucker instantly becomes the Cubs best hitter, and probably the best all-around player the Cubs have had since Javier Baez finished second in the MVP race in 2018. Tucker himself was on pace for an MVP-level season before suffering a leg injury in June that sidelined him for a few months. The injury did not seem to have much impact on him though, as after returning he batted .365/.453/.587 in 77 plate appearances with a 193 wRC+. Overall on the year, Tucker posted a 180 wRC+, slugged 23 home runs, and provided 4.2 fWAR in 339 plate appearances. 

Chicago desperately needed a star bat, a star player, and Tucker is exactly that. Him and Seiya Suzuki provide top tier bats from each side of the plate, providing a tough challenge for opposing teams when the Cubs come up on the schedule.

Paredes, acquired by the Cubs at the trade deadline, struggled to get going at the plate after the trade. In 179 at-bats, Paredes hit .223/.325/.307 and only hit three home runs as opposed to the 16 he hit with the Rays earlier in the year. Known for being an extreme pull-hitter, the deep corners at Wrigley were a bad fit for him, and he’ll fare much better in Houston with the Crawford boxes in left field.

Wesneski was acquired by the Cubs for Scott Effross at the 2022 trade deadline. Debuting later that season, Wesneski was thought to be a future staple in the rotation, but he struggled in 2023 and eventually found himself in the swing role last year. He needed a change of scenery, and perhaps Houston can help unlock him and his elite sweeper and turn him into the rotation arm he was once thought to become.

In a few years, Cam Smith might be regarded as the best piece of the deal headed back to Houston. Drafted 14th overall in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft, Smith excelled right away in Myrtle Beach, highlighted by a six game home run streak. By the end of the year, he had made his way to AA, and was regarded as a Top 100 prospect by most publications. He’s a stud that I’m sad to see go, but if you want premium players, it will cost a premium price.

Tucker is only controllable through 2025, so barring an extension, he’ll only be here for one year before he hits the open market. I’d like to think the Cubs would be more inclined to pay him considering what they gave up to acquire his services, but you never know with this team. With rumors still flying around, especially regarding Cody Bellinger, it seems as though this is just the beginning of what could be a huge offseason for the Cubs as they look to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020 and win a playoff game AND series for the first time since 2017.

Image Credit: MLB Trade Rumors