The Chicago Cubs’ acquisition of All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros signals their intent to make a serious push toward contention in 2025.
By parting with key assets like Isaac Paredes, top prospect Cam Smith, and pitcher Hayden Wesneski, the Cubs secured one of the premier left-handed bats in baseball.
Tucker’s addition instantly strengthens the lineup and provides much-needed power and consistency.
The move also places Cody Bellinger on the trade block, as reported by Bruce Levine. Bellinger could be a valuable asset for teams like the Yankees, who are looking to replace Juan Soto’s production.
With New York’s starting pitching depth, arms like Luis Gil might be expendable, potentially addressing Chicago’s need for another rotation piece.
The Cubs’ rotation, led by Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele, and Jameson Taillon, showed promise but lacked depth in 2024. Adding a quality starter through a Bellinger trade could elevate the team and position them to compete for the NL Central crown.
After narrowly missing the playoffs in 2024, these aggressive moves reflect Jed Hoyer’s strategy of prioritizing trades over free agency this offseason.
If the Cubs continue to be active and address their pitching needs, they could emerge as a serious contender in 2025.
