Cubs-Astros trade explodes as Kyle Tucker and every other piece go deep

The success of the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros this season will be intertwined, given that the trade between the two teams defined their respective offseasons. Of course, the deal saw the Cubs acquire Tucker from the Astros in exchange for top prospect Cam Smith, third baseman Isaac Paredes, and starting pitcher Hayden Wesneski. Wesneski is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery, but the other three players put on a show during the Cubs' 12-3 victory on Saturday night.

After homering on Friday night during his first game against the team that drafted him, Smith had another mammoth home run on Saturday that, at the time, shifted the momentum of the game.

The Cubs had an early 1-0 lead, but on the 10th pitch of his at-bat against Colin Rea, Smith provided some early fireworks for the Astros. Of course, after that home run, the idea of the Astros winning the trade was the prevailing takeaway on social media. After a slow start to his Major League career, as expected for a player making the jump from Double-A to the Major Leagues, it is beginning to click for Smith. A fearful thought for the Cubs, considering as of now, they only have Tucker for one season.

However, almost instantly, Tucker reminded everyone why the Cubs made the trade. In the middle of a 7-run fourth inning, Tucker launched a three-run home run that confirmed the impact he can make on the game with one swing.

Tucker finished the game going 4-for-5 with 3 RBI and 4 runs scored. It was a true homecoming for Tucker, as he demonstrated, the primary reason why the Cubs sacrificed Smith in the deal for the superstar outfielder. With his offensive approach, Tucker can instantly change the course of a game, and that was on display on Saturday.

Not to be forgotten, Paredes also added a home run for the Astros near the end of the game.

That home run was a reminder of why Paredes was an ideal target for the Astros. Given the short porch in left field in Houston, it's the perfect fit for a pull-hitter such as Paredes. Often the forgotten piece of the Tucker trade, Paredes is thriving in his new home. That said, I don't think the Cubs are regretting the deal after Saturday night.

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