Breaking: Blockbuster Trade Sends Kyle Tucker To National League

When the offseason began, no one could have foreseen this stunning development. But with only one year of control left before free agency, All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker has been traded by the Houston Astros to the Chicago Cubs.

The Cubs have reportedly acquired OF Kyle Tucker in a trade that includes INF Isaac Paredes and MLB's No. 73 overall prospect 3B Cam Smith. pic.twitter.com/6cQUDtLppH
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 13, 2024 after several days of discussions, it’s now a done deal. The Houston Astros have moved on from pending free agent, Kyle Tucker by sending him to.

The blockbuster deal sends slugging infielder Isaac Paredes, RHP Hayden Wesneski and baseball's No. 73 overall prospect 3B Cam Smith to the Astros.

Tucker has a career .879 OPS and an OPS+ of 139. He's a 30 HR+ hitter and can also steal 30 bases while playing Gold Glove defense in the OF. He's expected to command anywhere from $300M to $400M in free agency next winter if the Cubs can't find a way to re-sign him first.

Kyle Tucker is one of MLB’s most gifted hitters. The swing, power, discipline. Everything.

In 78 games this year: 23 HR, 11 SB, 180 wRC+, .419 wOBA, 4.2 fWAR, 16.5 BB%, 15.9 K%.

This offseason has been NUTS! pic.twitter.com/jSrmIE2gpW
— Sam Fosberg (@discussbaseball) December 13, 2024

Last season, in just 78 games due to injury, Tucker launched 23 homers, stole 11 bases and had a .993 OPS.

The New York Yankees were thought to be seriously involved in the Tucker talks, but they refused to include Rookie of the Year pitcher Luis Gil in their offer, scuttling their chances, according to a report.

Next step for the Cubs is to jettison Cody Bellinger.