As rumored, the Chicago Cubs have acquired superstar right fielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros, but it looks like the offseason isn’t over yet. The Tucker trade allows for the departure of Cody Bellinger, which has been a possibility for several weeks.
Much of the pre-trade talk included outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who ultimately remained. The Cubs will part with third baseman Isaac Paredes, who they acquired at the 2024 trade deadline. Pitcher Hayden Wesneski and Cam Smith, the 14th overall pick in last year’s draft.
The Astros’ batting lineup has taken a big hit so far. They can fill the hole left by free agent Alex Bregman with Paredes, but the loss of Tucker leaves a big hole. Perhaps they will trade starter Framber Valdez to fill that hole.
Will Bellinger go to the Yankees?
As far as Bellinger is concerned, his name did not come up for several weeks. His expected landing spot, the Bronx. That right field porch is a very attractive place for his left hand pull swing.
Will the Cubs get much in return, or is it all about getting the Yankees to eat as much of that contract as possible?
For the Cubs to acquire a talented player like Tucker with only one season left until free agency means the Cubs intend to compete. With that in mind, there is still work to be done.
Are your top prospects ready?
Who will play third place? Well, if they keep Bellinger playing No. 1, Michael Bush could move up from No. 1 to No. 3. But that could mean it’s time for the team’s No. 1 prospect, Matt Shaw.
The recently turned 23-year-old has pitched very well in the minor leagues, but has only played in 35 games at the Triple ‘A’ level. His limited AAA stats were outstanding: 298/395/534.
The Cubs have already added starter Matthew Boyd to the group of Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon. Now word comes that the Marlins are knocking on Jesus Luzardo’s door, adding four left-handed pitchers to the rotation. Taillon is probably the only right-handed player.
Then there’s the issue of the bullpen, which has been shaky for much of 2024. The closer role started with the injured Adbert Alzolay, was taken over by the unreliable Hector Nellis, and then settled with 23-year-old Porter Hodge.
Hodge finished the season with nine saves, but there are plenty of veteran free agent options. Carlos Estevez, Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates, and Kenley Jansen to name a few.
Bottom line: Cubs fans definitely have something to look forward to after the team has won 83 games in each of the past two seasons.
