The Chicago Cubs have landed the superstar hitter their lineup has needed.
The Cubs have acquired outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros for third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski and their 2024 first-round pick, third baseman Cam Smith, sources confirmed to the Tribune.
Tucker, 27, is coming off his third consecutive All-Star appearance after hitting .289 with a .409 on-base percentage, .585 slugging percentage and 181 OPS+ in 78 games.
The left-handed slugging right fielder gives the Cubs a proven, consistent middle of the order hitter they’ve been lacking. Tucker’s addition sets up the Cubs to move Cody Bellinger, with the New York Yankees involved in discussions for the outfielder, sources told the Tribune.
The Cubs paid a hefty price for Tucker, who will be a free agent after the season. But it’s a trade they needed to make, even if Tucker decides to test free agency and not sign a contract extension with the Cubs.