Chicago Cubs Fan Zone: Exclusive News, Game Previews & Recaps

Tag: Cam Smith prospect

  • Houston’s Surprise Move Makes Cubs’ Kyle Tucker Trade Riskier

    Houston’s Surprise Move Makes Cubs’ Kyle Tucker Trade Riskier

    When the Cubs acquired Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker this offseason they made a big move to add to their lineup. But the cost of the trade has people scratching their heads all over baseball. Along with infielder Isaac Paredes and reliever Hayden Wesneski—both big league veterans—the Cubs gave up Cam Smith, their first round pick from last year and a Top 100 MLB prospect.

    Tucker is a talented slugger but the risk of this trade is huge. At 28 years old Tucker is an impending free agent unless he signs an extension with the Cubs. And now with Cam Smith in the picture the stakes are even higher for Chicago.

    Houston’s Decision Throws a Wrench in the Plans

    The Cubs trading Cam Smith looks even worse after news broke that he’ll be on Houston’s Opening Day roster. According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, Smith is the third fastest player in MLB history to make an Opening Day roster after being drafted, based on games played in the minors.

    Smith showed his stuff in spring training hitting .313. He arrives at a good time for the Astros who are looking to fill the void left by Alex Bregman’s departure to the Boston Red Sox.

    For the Cubs this hurts. They traded away a highly touted prospect and lost a player who could have been at Wrigley Field as soon as this summer—all for a player who might leave after this season.

    What the Cubs Gave Up?

    The Cubs gave up a lot to get Tucker. Among the players sent to Houston were:

    • Isaac Paredes: A major league infielder.
    • Hayden Wesneski: A big league reliever.
    • Cam Smith: The Cubs’ first round pick from last year and a Top 100 MLB prospect.

    At the time, this seemed like a fair price for a middle of the order bat. But there was one big problem: Tucker is a free agent at the end of 2025 unless he signs an extension with the Cubs.

    Where Does This Leave the Cubs?

    For the Cubs, the stakes have never been higher. Trading away a potential future star like Cam Smith for a rental player—even one as talented as Kyle Tucker—is a gamble. And now, with Smith already contributing at the MLB level, the pressure is on to get maximum value out of Tucker this season.

    Tucker’s Leverage Increases

    If Tucker keeps hitting like he always does, his impending free agency gives him a lot of leverage to demand a big extension from the Cubs. As the centerpiece of the offense after the trade of Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees, Tucker’s bat is key to the Cubs being competitive in the NL Central.

    But if Tucker underperforms or gets hurt, the Cubs are in trouble—trading away assets without getting long term stability.

    Playoff Hopes Hang in the Balance

    The Cubs haven’t made the playoffs in two years and despite being in a weak division, they have no margin for error. Their poor start in the Tokyo Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers (losing both games) hasn’t helped ease the concerns about their season.

    Their next test is against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Thursday, March 27, 9 PM CDT. Tucker’s performance in these early games will be huge—not just for the team but for proving the trade was worth the cost.

    Where Does This Leave the Cubs?

    The Cubs are in a tough spot. Trading for Tucker was supposed to boost the offense and get them back in the playoffs. But with Cam Smith emerging in Houston, the pressure is on to not let Tucker walk as a free agent.

    If Tucker has a big season and helps the Cubs get back to the playoffs, the trade will be seen as a success—even at the cost of a top prospect. But if Tucker leaves after this year and Smith continues to shine in Houston, the deal will haunt the Cubs for years to come.

  • Why the Kyle Tucker Trade Was ‘The Toughest Call’ for Astros GM?

    Why the Kyle Tucker Trade Was ‘The Toughest Call’ for Astros GM?

    The Houston Astros made the biggest move of the MLB offseason by trading Kyle Tucker, their three-time All-Star right fielder, to the Chicago Cubs. It was a tough decision but Astros general manager Dana Brown said it was part of the plan to win now and build for the future. Here’s why Tucker was traded and what the Astros got back.

    The Decision to Trade Kyle Tucker

    Trading Tucker wasn’t easy for Dana Brown who called it “the hardest thing” he’s done since becoming the Astros’ GM in January 2023. But the opportunity to rebuild the roster and build for the future was too good to pass up.

    “It was very difficult [to trade Tucker], but we saw an opportunity there to be good in the future and build toward the future,” Brown said on Foul Territory with former MLB catcher A.J. Pierzynski.

    Tucker is a short term asset and becoming a free agent after the 2025 season. The Astros weren’t going to sign him to a $300 million plus extension so trading him before his walk year made sense. It allowed the Astros to get younger cost controlled talent that fits the long term vision.

    What the Astros Gained in the Trade

    In return for Tucker the Astros got three players: third baseman Isaac Paredes, starting pitcher Hayden Wesneski, and top prospect Cam Smith. Each brings something different to the table:

    1. Isaac Paredes: A Utility Bat

    Paredes has already shown flashes of his potential this spring, hitting .300 with a home run yanked over the left-field fence at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. He can play multiple infield positions and adds depth to the lineup.

    2. Hayden Wesneski: A Reliable Arm

    Wesneski has been impressive on the mound, striking out six batters and allowing one run across four innings in two separate appearances. He’ll be a good member of the 2025 staff.

    3. Cam Smith: The Future Star

    Smith is the headliner of the trade and has been the buzz in camp. The Florida State product and 2024 1st round pick has 2 HR and 1 3B in 7 at-bats . He won’t impact 2025 but should be a cornerstone of the franchise in 2026 and beyond.

    The Financial Advantage

    Beyond getting talent, the trade also brought financial benefits to the Astros. By trading Tucker—a soon to be free agent—the team got over a decade of cheap contracts:

    • Isaac Paredes: Under control until 2027
    • Hayden Wesneski: Under control until 2027
    • Cam Smith: Under control until at least 2029

    “You get 14 years of control for one year of control,” Brown said, pointing out the value of getting players with extended control.

    This allows Houston to be competitive and still not break the bank and not have to sign star players to giant contracts.

    The Emotional Hit to Fans

    For Astros fans, watching Tucker leave is gonna hurt. He was a cornerstone of the franchise, contributed offensively and defensively. Tucker could very well finish top 5 in MVP in 2025—this time in the National League—which will just sting even more for Houston fans.

    And to make it worse, Tucker isn’t the only former cornerstone leaving this winter. The Astros have lost several key pieces and fans are wondering what’s the direction of the team. But Brown says the moves were necessary for long term success.

    Spring Training Notes

    So far the new guys are making a good impression in spring training:

    • Paredes is showing power and consistency at the plate.
    • Wesneski is showing command and effectiveness on the mound.
    • Smith is electrifying the clubhouse with his talent and potential.

    This is good news the trade will pay off sooner rather than later.