Yes, the Astros are getting talented players back.

Paredes, who is entering his season at age 26, has posted an OPS of .776 and an OPS+ of 119 over his last three seasons. His defensive versatility certainly makes him a valuable asset.

The 21-year-old Smith was a 2024 first-round draft pick who just posted a 1.004 OPS in 32 games across Single-A and Double-A ball.

The 26-year-old Wesneski allowed just a .198 batting average in relief last year and also struck out 67 batters in 67.2 innings.

Besides, losing Tucker hurts. Obviously, the Astros would have preferred to sign the impending free agent rather than sign a long-term deal and keep him. However, that doesn’t happen.

One can’t help but wonder if this is the beginning of the end for the Astros’ eternal playoff and World Series contention days.

Tucker is gone. Alex Bregman could very well leave in free agency (though the addition of Paredes and Smith certainly helps). Pitcher Framber Valdez’s name has been thrown around in trade rumors. Former superstar ace/future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander is now a free agent, and at 42 years old, his best pitching days are behind him. Jose Altuve, another future Hall-Off Famer entering his age-35 season, just posted his lowest full-season OPS (.790) since 2023.

Houston sneaked into the playoffs as AL West champions, going 88-73, before falling two games to none at the hands of the Detroit Tigers. At this point, the Astros are facing their first losing season since 2014.