As Kyle Tucker took the field with his bat still delivering the same explosive presence, the bleachers erupted. In 2024, he went through a leg injury and yet, he still managed to record a stellar .993 OPS, 23 home runs, and a .289 average. However, Tucker’s absence in a pivotal period left the Houston Astros in a state of confusion. Now that he has agreed to a one-year, $16.5 million contract with the Cubs, the Astros need to look to the future. Cam Smith, the Astros’ No. 1 prospect, is the first to take center stage and assume the responsibility of carrying that future.

Smith wasted no time making an impression in his new home. Traded to the Astros, the 6-foot-3, 224-pound infielder is embracing the situation with confidence. “I feel like, I belong,” Smith said to MLB Network. He highlighted excitement related to his transition. The Florida-born talent’s powerful infield capabilities have already stood out in spring training. His bat has attracted others’ attention in the team. More necessarily, the third baseman’s poise under force makes him a compelling candidate to help fill the void left by Tucker’s departure.

However, Smith’s arrival in Houston is not just related to talent—it is related to power. The team sees in him a player capable of thriving at the highest level, physically and mentally. Smith’s journey started at Palm Beach Central High School. There he dominated as a senior, hitting .435 with six home runs and 32 RBIs. He earned Sun Sentinel 7A-6A Player of the Year honors. Drafted 14th overall by the Cubs, he slashed .313/.396/.609 with seven home runs across three minor league levels.

His time at the Hank Aaron Invitational helped refine his game, giving him valuable exposure to elite competition. “That was by far my favorite camp… playing alongside players that look just like me, it just feels like a comforting environment“, he said. The Astros believe his enhancement could be vital to their long-term success, ensuring they remain competitive for years to come.

What if Cam Smith cannot fill Kyle Tucker’s void?

The Astros are banking on Cam Smith, however, if he struggles, they will need alternatives. Chas McCormick is the most obvious fallback option. However, his .211 batting average and .576 OPS in 2024 raise concerns. If he can return to his 2023 form, he could stabilize the lineup. In addition, Isaac Paredes, another vital return in the Tucker trade, has highlighted offensive upside before. He hit 31 home runs with a 115 OPS in 2023. If neither Smith nor McCormick help, Taylor Trammell, Ben Gamel, and Mauricio Dubón could see scope. However, none provide the effect of a player, like Kyle Tucker.

In addition, Kyle Tucker is assumed to be a game-transformer for the Cubs. Slated as the team’s everyday right fielder, the 6’4″ All-Star brings elite hitting and Gold Glove-caliber defense. Over the past four seasons, he has posted a 145 OPS and 21.2 bWAR, cementing himself as the league’s premier talent. The Silver Slugger Award winner’s six straight playoff appearances and three World Series trips bring invaluable experience to the Cubs. “He does absolutely every part of baseball well,” said Nico Hoerner.

In addition, manager Craig Counsell praised his capability to simplify the game, saying, “That is a gift in this game. Tucker believes Chicago has a good opportunity to have a lot of success this year.” He is determined to extend his postseason streak while lifting the Cubs back into contention. For now, every individual’s focus is on Tucker in Chicago and Smith in Houston—two players with largely distinctive resumes, however, equally high expectations. The only question left is: who will prove their team made the right bet?