Cubs acquire 3x All-Star Kyle Tucker in blockbuster trade; Isaac Paredes, Cam Smith, and Hayden Wesneski part of deal

Trade talks between the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros slugger Kyle Tucker have been heating up this week. While an important piece in Houston, the club was looking to balance some financial concerns, and now the slugger is gone.

Chicago is sending infielder Isaac Paredes, RHP Hayden Wesneski, and prospect Cam Smith to Houston. Smith is listed as Chicago's No. 7 prospect and is expected to make his big-league debut in 2026. Per MLB insider Jeff Passan, the deal is done.

Tucker is coming off a season where he struggled to stay on the field. He played in just 78 games during the regular season, hitting .289/.408/.585 with 23 home runs and 49 runs batted in.

He missed 84 games while dealing with a fractured right shin. However, he returned in September, picking up right where he off and should be ready to go for Opening Day.

Cubs must make the most of Kyle Tucker being on their roster this upcoming season

Chicago Cubs Slugger - Kyle Tucker (Photo via IMAGN)

Kyle Tucker would have been coming off a monster season with the Houston Astros if he was able to stay healthy. He was one of the top hitters across both leagues until fracturing his shin.

For the Cubs, they must take advantage of Tucker being in their lineup during the 2025 season. The slugger is expected to become a free agent in 2026.

Given how Tucker has been playing the last few years, it would make sense he would test out free agency. He has the chance to be one of the top free agents on the open market in 2026 like his teammate Alex Bregman is now.

Tucker instantly makes this Chicago lineup much more fearsome moving forward. The Cubbies now look like the early team to beat in the National League Central.