The offseason isn't going the Philadelphia Phillies' way right now, that's for sure. After missing out on top pitching trade target Garrett Crochet earlier this week at the MLB Winter Meetings, Friday's blockbuster trade between the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs is just rubbing salt in the wound.
As first reported by ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Astros have traded All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Cubs. The return, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, includes corner infielder Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski and prospect Cam Smith.
Kyle Tucker to the Cubs for Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski and Cam Smith is done, pending medicals, sources tell @TheAthletic
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) December 13, 2024
Phillies strike out on Kyle Tucker after blockbuster Astros-Cubs trade
The Phillies, who are in desperate need of an outfielder, were reportedly involved in Tucker trade talks, although it's not known how invested president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski was. There was a reported rejected offer of third basemen Alec Bohm and right fielder Nick Castellanos, as The Athletic's Jim Bowden claimed on Friday morning.
Tucker, 27, is a left-handed bat who can do it all on the field. In a short 78-game 2024 season after dealing with a shin injury, he hit .289 with a .993 OPS, 23 home runs and 11 stolen bases. He's a three-time All-Star, including last season before his injury, a Silver Slugger and has a Gold Glove in right field.
In 157 games in 2023, Tucker hit .284 with an .886 OPS, 29 homers, 112 RBI and 30 steals, finishing fifth in NL MVP voting. His 2022 and 2021 seasons look similar.
We don't know what the Phillies actually offered the Astros for Tucker, who will be a free agent after the 2025 season and will be looking for a big payday in free agency. We do know that Houston's general manager Dana Brown was looking for major league-ready corner infielders and starting pitching. He acquired both in the deal with the Cubs.
Paredes, 25, was acquired by the Cubs at this summer's trade deadline. He plays both corner infield positions and hit .238 with a .739 OPS and 19 home runs in 2024.
Wesneski, 27, pitched in 68 games (22 starts) over the last three seasons for the Cubs, with a career 3.93 ERA and 1.14 WHIP.
Smith, 21, also a third baseman, was the Cubs' first-round pick (14th overall) in the 2024 Draft and slashed .313/.396/.609 in 32 games between Low-, High- and Double-A this season.