Sep 21, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker (30) hits a RBI double against the Los Angeles Angels in the first inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

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Grading the Kyle Tucker Trade: Cubs acquire All-Star OF, Framber Valdez next?

Kyle Tucker Trade Grade: Cubs vs. Astros; Who won?

Kyle Tucker is a Chicago Cub. The Cubs had their eyes on Tucker for a while, knowing his contract situation with Houston made him available. Tucker’s in his final year of club control, and Houston wasn’t going to let him walk for nothing.

A 3-time All-Star with a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger in his trophy case.

Kyle Tucker is heading for the Friendly Confines. pic.twitter.com/UbjMydeD8k
— MLB (@MLB) December 13, 2024

So, after days of talks at the Winter Meetings, the Cubs struck. The price was their third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski, and prospect Cam Smith (ranked No. 73 by MLB Pipeline).

Trade details:

Cubs receive: RF Kyle Tucker
Astros receive: IF Isaac Paredes, RHP Hayden Wesneski, 3B Cam Smith

Cubs GM Carter Hawkins expressed excitement: “We’re thrilled. He’s been an offensive machine over the last several years, and we’re excited to insert that into our lineup.”

Tucker is a three-time All-Star. His addition surely strengthens the Cubs’ lineup, which has lacked a consistent middle-order threat. The Cubs see this as a win-now move, as they aim to contend after missing the playoffs in consecutive seasons.

Trade grades

Cubs: A

The Cubs addressed their biggest need by acquiring one of MLB’s best hitters. Tucker elevates their lineup and positions them as NL Central favorites. Even with the risk of losing him after 2025, this was a move they needed to make.

Astros: B+

The Astros prioritized long-term planning, getting solid pieces in return. Paredes and Smith fit well into their plans, and Wesneski adds depth. However, trading a star like Tucker marks a step back for their immediate chances.

Cubs’ risk and reward

Even with a fractured shin keeping him out for part of the 2024 season, Tucker slashed .289/.408/.585, hit 23 home runs, and walked more times than he struck out. When he returned in September, he was even better: a .365 batting average and a 1.040 OPS in just 18 games. That’s star power.

Kyle Tucker is among the most underappreciated players in baseball. In 78 games last year, he put up more than 4 WAR, hitting .289/.408/.585 with 23 HR and 11 SB. Since getting full-time at-bats in 2021, he's been a consistent 5-win player. He is precisely what the Cubs needed.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 13, 2024

Look back further, and the numbers are just as strong. Tucker’s resume speaks for itself:

Three straight All-Star appearances
Gold Glove in 2022
Silver Slugger in 2023
Fifth in AL MVP voting in 2023

At just 27, Tucker enters his prime as one of baseball’s most complete players. He doesn’t just hit. He runs. He fields. He’s swiped 66 bases over the last three seasons and plays an above-average right field. The Cubs now have a player who can carry their offense for an entire season.

However, Tucker’s contract runs through 2025, leaving his long-term future with the Cubs uncertain. Hawkins acknowledged: “This deal had to be worth it for one year of Kyle Tucker. And we certainly felt like that was the case.”

The Cubs may look to trade players like Cody Bellinger to balance their roster after Tucker’s arrival.

The Astros’ side of things

For Houston, this trade is about timing and priorities. They’re not in a position to give Tucker the $400 million deal he’ll likely demand in free agency. So, they flipped him now to avoid walking away with just a draft pick.

The return? Solid but not spectacular.

Isaac Paredes: A pull-heavy hitter who fits Houston’s Crawford Boxes perfectly. He’s under control until 2027, which helps long-term.
Cam Smith: A high-ceiling prospect with power and patience. Smith hit .313 in 32 pro games last year and could debut in 2025.
Hayden Wesneski: A swingman with a 3.86 ERA in 67.2 innings last season. Not flashy but valuable depth.

It’s a practical move for the Astros, but losing Tucker undeniably hurts their 2025 outlook.

Is Framber Valdez next?

After trading Tucker, the Astros might consider moving ace Framber Valdez. Brown said: “We’re not aggressively trying to move him, but we’ll listen.”

Another Sox trade idea:

⚾️ Framber Valdez

⚾️ One-year LH rental

⚾️ Over 170 IP in each of the last 3 seasons

Groundball specialist, would require a strong infield defense behind him

pic.twitter.com/35yTyMLhbf
— Matt (@BSTRONG415) December 13, 2024

Valdez, a two-time All-Star, is entering his final year of team control. His numbers speak for themselves: sub-3.50 ERA in four straight seasons, three top-10 Cy Young finishes, and an invaluable role in Houston’s rotation. But here’s the catch—he’ll hit free agency after 2025, and starting pitchers are getting paid. Max Fried just signed for $218 million. Valdez could command a similar deal.

The Astros might not want to lose him for nothing. If they don’t see an extension happening, Valdez could be on the move.

Image: © Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

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Kyle Tucker Astros

Kyle Tucker Chicago Cub

Kyle Tucker Cubs

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Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
Got into sports media the same way most people do: by (fortunate) accident. Started with SEO writing, took on a few sports gigs, and now here we are! I cover games, trades, player drama—whatever needs words.
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