The Chicago Cubs made a commerce for Kyle Tucker this offseason. After a seven-year run with the Houston Astros, Tucker is headed to the Nationwide League in an offseason blockbuster. Even after a brutal first season on the bench, there may be hope that Craig Counsell can get the Cubbies again to the playoffs. What can Cubs followers count on from Kyle Tucker this season?
The Cubs despatched third baseman Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski, and prospect Cam Smith to Houston on this commerce. After dropping the division by ten video games, they wanted a shake-up. Tucker gives precisely that, as Cody Bellinger was traded to make room for him instantly after. Tucker was having a profession yr earlier than a freak damage zapped over half of his season. The Cubs hope he can preserve that up this yr.
How will this commerce work out? Let’s discover out in our way-too-early Kyle Tucker predictions.
Kyle Tucker leads Chicago in dwelling runs
Chicago is a troublesome place to hit dwelling runs, particularly final season. Many gamers reported that the wind this yr was worse than different years, making hitting homers almost inconceivable. The Cubs and Yankees performed a three-game sequence in September that featured no dwelling runs, proving that time. Tucker was introduced in to hit bombs and can lead the staff in dwelling runs.
Final yr, Ian Happ led the Cubs with 25 dwelling runs in 153 video games. Tucker hit 23 dwelling runs in 78 video games final yr and 29 in 157 video games the yr earlier than. Though he performed in a dome in Houston, this can be a concerted effort so as to add pop to the Cubs’ lineup. The gamble will repay this yr and hopefully for a few years shifting ahead.
Chicago’s new outfielder has probably the most RBIs within the NL Central
The Nationwide League Central is in a really intriguing place. After successful the division by ten video games final yr, the Milwaukee Brewers misplaced Willy Adames. Though they succeeded with out Corbin Burnes final yr, will probably be exhausting to recreate their pitching magic in 2025. Christian Yelich ought to be again wholesome, however accidents have plagued him lately. The Cardinals are rebuilding, and the Reds and Pirates haven’t made vital additions.
With all of these issues thought-about, Tucker will lead the Central in RBIs subsequent season. Final yr, Adames held that crown with 112 RBIs however he’s now within the NL West. Cincinnati’s Spencer Steer and Milwaukee’s William Contreras tied for second with 92. That’s the neighborhood Tucker ought to be in with a full season in Chicago.
Associated Chicago Cubs InformationArticle continues beneath
The Cubs signal Kyle Tucker to a long-term contract
The Yankees simply made an enormous commerce for Juan Soto, let him play one season, and watched him depart. The Cubs can’t let that occur with Kyle Tucker. They gave up so much to get him, particularly when you think about Bellinger’s departure. Whereas they haven’t spent a ton of cash in free company lately, they have to re-sign Tucker.
Spotrac’s Market Worth device estimates Tucker’s contract at seven years, $195.5 million. That places his common annual worth between George Springer on the low finish and Mookie Betts on the excessive finish. Whereas he doesn’t have the identify model that Betts did when that contract was signed, he’s price each penny.
Tucker was one of many unsung heroes of the Astros’ unimaginable seven-year ALCS streak. Whereas Altuve, Bregman, Springer, and Alvarez received the eye, Tucker hit many clutch dwelling runs. Because the face of the Cubs, Tucker will make some huge cash and have numerous massive at-bats in Chicago.