Since the Kyle Tucker trade happened pre-ANY, and we are a little late to talk about the Ryan Pressly trade (whoops), let’s do it now!

The Chicago Cubs traded for star outfielder Kyle Tucker back in mid-December sending away 3B Isaac Parades, RHP Hayden Wesneski, and last year’s first round draft pick, 3B Cam Smith. Kyle Tucker only has one year left until he hits free agency, so this seems like a heavy price for one year (get the extension done Jed). Cam Smith has a very high ceiling and did nothing but rake in his pro debut- so if the Cubs do not extend Tucker then this will be a hard piece to cope with losing for a bit. On the other hand, Parades feels fit for this ballpark with his pull-heavy approach. I will be hammering the over this year for him at Minute Maid.

With Kyle Tucker slotting in to right field, this will push Seiya Suzuki to a more permanent DH role. In my humble baseball opinion, this is what he is meant for. Apparently in Japan he won what would be the equivalent to a Gold Glove- I’m not buying it. No offense to Seiya, he’s awesome, he’s just not a very good defender. While rumors serviced that Seiya did not want a DH role and wanted to play the field yada yada yada, he is okay with it now. The Cubs outfield will now consist of Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Kyle Tucker- which might be up for best outfield in the Majors.

With that impact bat now in the lineup, it was time to make a splash in the bullpen. Granted there have been little moves here and there, but none as big as getting Ryan Pressly, and for next to nothing. The Cubs traded for Pressly just the other day after he waived his no trade clause to come to the North Side. Pressly, along with $14 million of his contract were being sent in return for Juan Bello, a 20 year old A-ball pitcher. The Astros were clearly just dumping his contract- but hey, I will not complain unless he turns into Hector Neris 2.0.

There has been another Astro player rumored to be coming to Wrigley as well, Alex Bregman. Technically he is not an Astro at the moment because he his a free agent, however, with two of his teammates already here, who’s to say a reunion is that unlikely. The Cubs want a buffer for Matt Shaw. And while it looks as though Shaw could have the talent to start right away, a backup plan is always nice, and what better backup plan than Alex Bregman.

The only reason I believe the Cubs won’t sign Alex Bregman is because they might not break even next year if they do. Looks like Jon Berti, Gage Workman, and Vidal Brujan will be taking over hot corner duties if Shaw doesn’t break camp.

Kyle Tucker was a huge addition for this team (especially if they get an extension) and I believe having a solid closer is just as big. If it weren’t for many blown games last season the Cubs might’ve been in the playoffs. This season should be an exciting one, and I am very ready for the Kyle Tucker 40-40 season on the North Side.