Cubs acquire Tucker from Astros for Paredes, 2 others

The Chicago Cubs acquired outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros in exchange for infielder Isaac Paredes, right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski, and third base prospect Cam Smith, both teams announced Friday.

Tucker will turn 28 in January. He accrued 4.2 fWAR in just 78 games last season with the Astros, belting 23 home runs and stealing 11 bases while posting a .993 OPS (181 OPS+).

Tucker slashed .274/.353/.516 with 125 home runs and 417 RBIs during his seven seasons in Houston. The three-time All-Star is in line for a massive contract when he hits free agency after the 2025 season.

Paredes struggled with the Cubs after being acquired midseason from the Tampa Bay Rays in 2024. He hit just three home runs with a .633 OPS in 52 games with the North Siders.

Where Paredes will play in Houston is to be determined. He has experience at both corner infielder positions and could become the Astros' new everyday third baseman if free agent Alex Bregman doesn't re-sign.

Wesneski has made 68 appearances (22 starts) for Chicago over the last three seasons, posting a 3.93 ERA and 1.17 WHIP during that time.

Smith was the Cubs' seventh-ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline.

The New York Yankees also had discussions with the Astros about Tucker but weren't willing to include reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil or top infield prospect George Lombard Jr. as part of a potential deal, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.