First off, I don't want Cubs fans thinking that trading for Kyle Tucker is close to happening or even that the chances of it are close to 50/50. The reality is that the Astros outfielder is most likely beginning the 2025 season with Houston. That being said, as we discussed before, there is at least a chance that the Astros trade Tucker and yes the Cubs are interested.
MLB Network analyst and insider Jon Morosi added more fuel to the Tucker trade rumors and when it comes to the Cubs' interest, he confirmed it on Tuesday. While mainly focusing on the New York Yankees as a possible trade partner with the Astros for Tucker, Morosi also mentioned that the Cubs like the outfielder, who will be a free agent following the 2025 season.
On Monday, Astros GM Dana Brown was asked directly about potentially dealing Tucker and he responded by saying that the team would be open to listening to offers.
Now, the rumors are picking up at the Winter Meetings. But again, just because there's interest doesn't mean that the Astros are actively trying to trade Tucker. This is completely different than the Cody Bellinger situation as the Cubs do indeed seem determined to trade him away this offseason.
The Cubs and Yankees have shown interest in Kyle Tucker, but the Astros are comfortable with him remaining in Houston for his walk year -- as Alex Bregman did in 2024. https://t.co/1lmldmvrjj
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 10, 2024
Morosi isn't alone when connecting both the Cubs and Yankees to Tucker. Jon Heyman also pushed the interest from both clubs later on.
Cubs and Yankees are among potential fits for Kyle Tucker if the Astros seriously entertain moving the star OF
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 10, 2024
Tucker will enter his age-28 season in 2025. He's been a top-five outfielder in WAR since becoming a full-time starter with the Astros in 2020, trailing only Juan Soto, Aaron Judge and Mookie Betts. By the way, that includes his 2024 season in which Tucker only played in 78 games, but still hit 23 home runs and was worth 4.2 fWAR.
Like we've said before, the Cubs should be all over this. Make the Astros a strong offer because we know that the team isn't jumping at the opportunity to go out and compete for top free agents, so bring in Tucker, work out an extension and boom, you have your star hitter in his prime.
I think I can speak for most Cubs fans, we are sick and tired of watching other teams capitalize on trading for star players while the Cubs sit on their hands. And for fans who think Tucker won't sign an extension and will go to free agency no matter what, here are a handful of examples of other great players who signed long-term deals after getting traded.
Paul Goldschmidt traded Dec 2018, extended Mar 2019
— Greg Zumach (@IvyFutures) December 10, 2024
Mookie Betts traded Feb 2020, extended July 2020 Francisco Lindor traded Jan 2021, extended Apr 2021
There is always risk that Kyle Tucker wouldn't want to extend, but get a star in the door and give yourself a chance. https://t.co/P6vZBkvSDw
Kyle Tucker is exactly the type of player you trade your top prospects for. The Cubs have plenty of those. Get on it, Jed.
