Chicago Cubs Acquire All-Star Outfielder Kyle Tucker From Astros

Major League Baseball keeps shoveling coal into its hot stove.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that the Chicago Cubs are taking a big swing on a big bat, bringing in outfielder Kyle Tucker in a trade with the Houston Astros. In exchange, the Cubs will send infielder Isaac Paredes, righthanded pitcher Hayden Wesneski and top infield prospect Cam Smith to Houston.

BREAKING: The Chicago Cubs have acquired star outfielder Kyle Tucker in a trade with the Houston Astros, sources tell ESPN. Deal is done.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 13, 2024

Kyle Tucker to the Cubs for Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski and Cam Smith is done, pending medicals, sources tell @TheAthletic
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) December 13, 2024

Tucker is coming off an injury-shortened 2024 that saw him be extremely productive when he was available in the lineup. The lefty slashed .289/.408/.585 and hit 23 home runs in just 78 games. This came on the heels of consecutive All-Star seasons and three straight in which he finished in the top-20 of American League MVP voting. The Cubs will bring him in with one year of team control, and he's expected to make around $18 million through arbitration.