The Cubs Better Prove That Trading For Kyle Tucker Was Worth It

The Chicago Cubs finally added a superstar to their lineup. They traded Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski, and top prospect Cam Smith to the Houston Astros for all-star Kyle Tucker. This move not only gives the Cubs a much-needed star, but it upgrades what was a lifeless lineup last season. However, making a trade like this naturally increases expectations and has lots of risk attached to it. The 27-year-old is a free agent after next season making a return to the North Side not guaranteed. All the pressure is on the Cubs to return to break their postseason drought if they want to bring Tucker back.

The Cubs Lineup Was Boring And Lifeless

The Chicago Cubs were boring and lifeless offensively. The team only averaged a mediocre 4.54 runs per game, had an OPS of just .710, and only hit 170 home runs. Players like Dansby Swanson, Cody Bellinger, and Nico Hoerner all had down seasons as well. After their disappointing season concluded, the Cubs headed into the offseason needing lineup help. While the Cubs’ offense was frustrating to watch in 2024, their issues are much deeper.

The Cubs Haven’t Had Any Worthwhile Stars In Awhile

This team has lacked star power since Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Javy Baez, and Willson Contreras departed. The team has done nothing to replace those players in the lineup. This is due to owner Tom Ricketts unwillingness to spend the money to lure a star to the North Side. Swanson and Bellinger are being paid like stars but aren’t producing like them. Heck, the Cubs are so mad about Bellinger’s contract that they are trying to trade him. Chicago is even trying to have that team take on the entirety of Cody Bellinger’s contract. This is pathetic for a team to play in baseball’s third-largest market and not have a star.

A Lot Of Risk And Responsibility Comes With This Trade

While the Cubs still aren’t spending a lot of money, they seem to have now realized the importance of having an offensive star. The Cubs recently traded away Isaac Paredes, Hayden, Wesneski, and top prospect Cam Smith for former Astros star Kyle Tucker. The 27-year-old is a proven star and gives the Cubs a much-needed dangerous bat in the lineup. During Tucker’s time in Houston, he slashed .274/.353/.516 with 125 homers, 417 RBI, and an .870 OPS. He also has three all-star selections and a gold glove on his resume as well. Last season, he was on track to be an MVP candidate before a shin injury forced him to miss over half of the year. However, there is a responsibility and big risk that comes with acquiring someone like Kyle Tucker.

Chicago Has To Prove The Trade Was Worth It

Kyle Tucker is a free agent after next season and is expected to test the market next offseason. This means that the 27-year-old returning to the North Side after 2025 isn’t guaranteed. He’s expected to command a salary of at least $400 million in free agency next offseason. Chicago gave up a promising top prospect, a former all-star infielder with two years of control remaining, and a high-upside pitcher who projects to be a starter and won’t be a free agent until 2029. This is a lot to part with for a player who will be entering free agency after the season ends. To make trading for Kyle Tucker worth it, Chicago must make a return to the postseason.

A Team Only Makes This Trade If It’s Ready To Contend

These kinds of trades aren’t made unless a team thinks it is immediately ready to be a postseason contender. Given what the Cubs gave up for Tucker and that he’ll be entering free agency; they must play baseball in October next year. Anything short of a postseason appearance would be a big disappointment and could mean losing Kyle Tucker. While the Cubs fell short of expectations last season, it will pale in comparison if Chicago disappoints again in 2025. This is the kind of failure that could set the franchise back among other long-term consequences.

The Chicago Cubs gave up a haul to acquire all-star outfielder Kyle Tucker. Now they must prove making the trade was worth it by making the postseason in 2025. The 27-year-old is a free agent next year and bringing him back long term isn’t guaranteed. If Chicago falls short of making the playoffs again, it could mean losing Kyle Tucker, and the Cubs being set further back.

For more on baseball, check out Belly Up Sports and follow Eric on Twitter/X. Featured images: Getty Images