The Chicago Cubs lastly added a celebrity to their lineup. They traded Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski, and prime prospect Cam Smith to the Houston Astros for all-star Kyle Tucker. This transfer not solely offers the Cubs a much-needed star, but it surely upgrades what was a dull lineup final season. Nevertheless, making a commerce like this naturally will increase expectations and has a lot of danger hooked up to it. The 27-year-old is a free agent after subsequent season making a return to the North Aspect not assured. All of the strain is on the Cubs to return to interrupt their postseason drought in the event that they need to deliver Tucker again.
The Cubs Lineup Was Boring And Lifeless
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The Chicago Cubs had been boring and lifeless offensively. The staff solely averaged a mediocre 4.54 runs per sport, had an OPS of simply .710, and solely hit 170 residence runs. Gamers like Dansby Swanson, Cody Bellinger, and Nico Hoerner all had down seasons as properly. After their disappointing season concluded, the Cubs headed into the offseason needing lineup assist. Whereas the Cubs’ offense was irritating to look at in 2024, their points are a lot deeper.
The Cubs Haven’t Had Any Worthwhile Stars In Awhile
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This staff has lacked star energy since Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Javy Baez, and Willson Contreras departed. The staff has completed nothing to interchange these gamers within the lineup. This is because of proprietor Tom Ricketts unwillingness to spend the cash to lure a star to the North Aspect. Swanson and Bellinger are being paid like stars however aren’t producing like them. Heck, the Cubs are so mad about Bellinger’s contract that they’re attempting to commerce him. Chicago is even attempting to have that staff tackle the whole lot of Cody Bellinger’s contract. That is pathetic for a staff to play in baseball’s third-largest market and never have a star.
A Lot Of Threat And Accountability Comes With This Commerce
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Whereas the Cubs nonetheless aren’t spending some huge cash, they appear to have now realized the significance of getting an offensive star. The Cubs just lately traded away Isaac Paredes, Hayden, Wesneski, and prime prospect Cam Smith for former Astros star Kyle Tucker. The 27-year-old is a confirmed star and provides the Cubs a much-needed harmful bat within the lineup. Throughout Tucker’s time in Houston, he slashed .274/.353/.516 with 125 homers, 417 RBI, and an .870 OPS. He additionally has three all-star choices and a gold glove on his resume as properly. Final season, he was on observe to be an MVP candidate earlier than a shin damage pressured him to overlook over half of the yr. Nevertheless, there’s a duty and massive danger that comes with buying somebody like Kyle Tucker.
Chicago Has To Show The Commerce Was Value It
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Kyle Tucker is a free agent after subsequent season and is anticipated to check the market subsequent offseason. Which means the 27-year-old returning to the North Aspect after 2025 isn’t assured. He’s anticipated to command a wage of at the least $400 million in free company subsequent offseason. Chicago gave up a promising prime prospect, a former all-star infielder with two years of management remaining, and a high-upside pitcher who tasks to be a starter and gained’t be a free agent till 2029. This can be a lot to half with for a participant who will likely be getting into free company after the season ends. To make buying and selling for Kyle Tucker price it, Chicago should make a return to the postseason.
A Group Solely Makes This Commerce If It’s Prepared To Contend
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These sorts of trades aren’t made except a staff thinks it’s instantly able to be a postseason contender. Given what the Cubs gave up for Tucker and that he’ll be getting into free company; they need to play baseball in October subsequent yr. Something in need of a postseason look could be a giant disappointment and will imply shedding Kyle Tucker. Whereas the Cubs fell in need of expectations final season, it’s going to pale compared if Chicago disappoints once more in 2025. That is the type of failure that would set the franchise again amongst different long-term penalties.
The Chicago Cubs gave up a haul to amass all-star outfielder Kyle Tucker. Now they need to show making the commerce was price it by making the postseason in 2025. The 27-year-old is a free agent subsequent yr and bringing him again long run isn’t assured. If Chicago falls in need of making the playoffs once more, it may imply shedding Kyle Tucker, and the Cubs being set additional again.
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