The Philadelphia Phillies’ offseason continues to spiral out of control as they miss out on another top trade target. Just days after failing to land pitching prospect Garrett Crochet, the Phillies had to watch the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs steal the spotlight with a blockbuster deal involving All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Tucker is heading to Chicago, while Houston receives corner infielder Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski, and highly-touted prospect Cam Smith, as confirmed by The Athletic’s Chandler Rome.
Phillies Come Up Empty in Tucker Talks
The Phillies, desperately searching for an outfield upgrade, were reportedly in the mix for Tucker but failed to make an offer compelling enough for Houston. Sources indicate Philadelphia proposed a package centered on third baseman Alec Bohm and right fielder Nick Castellanos, but it didn’t meet the Astros’ demands for major-league-ready infielders and pitching.
Tucker, 27, is a game-changing talent with a rare blend of power, speed, and defensive prowess. Despite missing a chunk of the 2024 season due to a shin injury, he hit .289 with a .993 OPS, 23 home runs, and 11 stolen bases in just 78 games. A three-time All-Star and former Gold Glove winner, Tucker has consistently put up elite numbers, including a .284 average, 29 home runs, and 112 RBIs in a full 2023 season.
With free agency looming after 2025, Tucker is poised for a massive payday, making him a valuable asset for any team aiming to contend in the short term. For the Cubs, his arrival signals an aggressive push toward playoff contention, while Houston strategically bolsters its roster with younger, cost-controlled talent.
Houston’s Haul
- Isaac Paredes (25): A corner infielder acquired by the Cubs at the 2024 trade deadline, who tallied 19 home runs with a .739 OPS last season.
- Hayden Wesneski (27): A reliable right-handed pitcher with a career 3.93 ERA and 1.14 WHIP over three seasons in Chicago.
- Cam Smith (21): The Cubs’ 2024 first-round draft pick, Smith excelled in his debut minor league season, hitting .313 with a .609 slugging percentage across three levels.
For the Phillies, this latest setback raises questions about their offseason strategy and their ability to compete with aggressive rivals. Missing out on Tucker underscores their struggles to capitalize on opportunities, leaving them scrambling for answers as the rest of the league moves forward.
Meanwhile, the Cubs emerge as clear winners in this deal, adding a superstar to their lineup and staking their claim as a team to watch in 2025.
