It looks like the Houston Astros have made the right decision to trade their outfielder, Kyle Tucker! But what impressed Joe Espada, the Astros’ manager, the most was the 22-year-old Cam Smith. However, does leaving Tucker seem like a good deal, given that he slashed .259/.354/.383 in 2024, and that too at 39 years of age? Well, Smith managed to hit an average of .258 playing at third base across 51 games, with 54 hits, 36 RBIs, eight doubles, five triples, and 12 home runs. He is young, athletic, and possesses good strength, which makes him a great choice for the Astros.

But the decision to trade Kyle Tucker in the offseason certainly didn’t go well with the Houston Astros’ fans. However, it’s also true that extending Tucker’s contract would have created difficulty in finding a proper replacement for Alex Bregman, which is now possible. With the team getting Isaac Paredes and Cam Smith on board, Joe Espada feels that trading Tucker has been the right decision, as he heaped praise on Smith, stating, “Now I see why we were really pointing him out when we were trying to trade Kyle Tucker.” When talking about Cam Smith’s qualities, Espada also mentioned, “Power, speedy athletic for a kid of his size, pretty smart kid too.” 

Based on the statement, Joe Espada believes that Cam Smith offers great flexibility, as he can play third base and also at the corner outfield. So, it seems like Espada has been quite hopeful of him and considers that he has a great future ahead. In addition to this, Smith’s strong barrel rate and exit velocities on the plate make him a great choice for the Astros too. However, the Cubs seem to have made a great deal getting Kyle Tucker, don’t they?

The Cubs got what they wanted

While losing Kyle Tucker, one of the most talented Astros players, still haunts the Houston Astros, the Chicago Cubs seem to have made the biggest move of the offseason. While they acquired the right-fielder Kyle Tucker in exchange for Isaac Paredes and top prospect Cam Smith, they are in a position like the Yankees, who acquired Juan Soto last year. But what makes the deal impressive?

Kyle Tucker had a good 2024 season, with a .289 average, 23 home runs scored, 49 RBIs, and a .993 OPS. Although it’s quite evident that Tucker may hit the open market, as he is being represented by his agent Scott Boras, the Chicago Cubs will hope to avoid it by trying to make an extension of his contract. So, as of now, the biggest question is whether the three-time All-Star will have his eyes on free agency next offseason or if the Cubs will get the deal done before reaching that scenario.

Fans hope that the Chicago Cubs do not replicate the same mistake just as the Astros did by not extending Kyle Tucker’s contract. What’s your say on this? Let us know in the comment section below.