The Cubs scored their first big win of the Hot Stove season by agreeing to sign three-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker to a multi-player contract from the Astros, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand on Friday with. Third baseman Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski and third baseman Cam Smith, the Cubs’ No. 7 pick, are moving to the Astros in the deal originally reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The teams have not confirmed.

Astros get: IF Isaac Paredes, RHP Hayden Wesneski and 3B Cam Smith (Cubs No. 7 prospect).

have a boy: RF Kyle Tucker.

Tucker, entering his final season before becoming eligible for free agency, has proven to be one of the best pure hitters in baseball. In seven major league seasons, all with the Astros, he posted a .274/.353/.516 slash line with 125 home runs.

Tucker has been an All-Star each of the last three seasons and runs the ball regularly. He’s coming off a season in which his barrel rate reached a career-high 12.9%, and he doesn’t strike out often. Although he missed significant time due to a shin injury in 2024, he ranked in the 93rd percentile or higher in expected batting average (.292, 94th percentile), expected slugging (.530, 93rd), and expected weighted on-base average (.). . 386, 95th) and strikeout rate (13.6%, 94th) in ’23.

Defensively, Tucker was outstanding. Although he doesn’t have exceptional speed or range, he leads all right fielders with 35 defensive runs saved since becoming a full-time player in 2020. He also won a Gold Glove Award in 1922 when he helped the Astros win the World Series.

Tucker also brings a wealth of postseason experience (64 games) for a player his age. Even though he faces a move into free agency after the 2025 season, his season still begins at age 28 and he is a candidate for a contract extension.