(670 The Score) The Cubs have emerged as a serious suitor for Astros star outfielder Kyle Tucker on the trade market.
The Cubs and Astros have had trade discussions at the Winter Meetings, with Houston showing interest in Chicago right fielder Seiya Suzuki and third baseman Isaac Paredes, The Athletic reported Wednesday. It wasn’t clear what the entire framework of a deal might entail, and a trade didn't appear imminent, according to reports.
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The Cubs’ interest in Tucker was echoed by others in the baseball industry.
“The Cubs are a strong possibility at this point,” MLB Network insider Jon Heyman said Wednesday.
The Yankees are another club in hot pursuit of Tucker, but Heyman added, “It feels more like a Cub deal than a Yankee deal.”
Tucker is coming off a 2024 season in which he hit .289 with 23 homers, 49 RBIs and a .993 OPS in 78 games. Tucker was sidelined for several months due to a shin fracture.
Tucker was fifth in the American League MVP race in 2023, when he hit .284 with 29 homers, 112 RBIs, 30 stolen bases and an .886 OPS in 157 games. He has a 139 OPS+ in his seven-year MLB career. Tucker is also a strong defender, having won a Gold Glove in 2022.
Tucker has one year of contract control left before free agency looms. He’s projected to make $15.8 million in 2025 through the arbitration system, according to MLB Trade Rumors.