Following massive trade for Kyle Tucker, Cubs' offseason has a new look to it

The Chicago Cubs have traded for Houston Astros superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker.

Jed Hoyer finally made a career-defining bet with some of the accumulated draft capital and has pushed the chips in on the Cubs' 2025 season.

Let's dive into what needs to happen next and what the trade means for the franchise.

Don't Stop Now Jed Hoyer!

With Isaac Paredes a part of the trade to the Astros, the Cubs have an opening at third base. The opening would suggest that Matt Shaw or James Triantos may be considered.

To avoid relying on Shaw or Triantos to be ready for a full MLB season, I expect the Cubs to look hard at guys like old friend Gleyber Torres or former Yankee Gio Urshela. Both of those guys could be a starter if needed but also pivot into a super-sub role if Shaw does hit his way onto the team in Spring Training. Jorge Polanco and Yoan Moncada (don't scream too loud) are also bounceback candidates who can play multiple positions.

The Cubs Are Ready To Be Big Boys

Cubs fans should feel good about the front office and Tom Ricketts.

While Tucker will almost certainly test free agency, there's no way the Cubs can make this trade without making an acknowledgment between Hoyer and Ricketts that they are committed to playing in the ~$300-400 million contract range for Tucker at the end of 2025. I do think a lot of prognosticators are right that Hoyer has been overly cautious in the free agency market for a club as flush with money as the Cubs. I also don't think he's as dumb or desperate as some fans make him out to be. Hoyer made this deal knowing ownership would give him the reins to make a legitimate run at resigning Tucker this time next year.

The Cubs Are Definitive Favorites In The NL Central

The NL Central has somehow managed to get worse this offseason after being pretty awful last year. The Cardinals are in a rebuild mode for the first time in forever.

The Brewers have already lost Willy Adames and traded Devin Williams to the New York Yankees.

The Pirates are the Pirates and just are unable to add impact bats to be competitive.

Cincinnati is definitely on the upswing, with a legitimate superstar in Elly de la Cruz, an ace in Hunter Greene, and a host of intriguing hitters. The Reds are also included in tons of free-agent rumors across the board. They also might steal 10 bases a game against the Cubs if Miguel Amaya doesn't figure out how to improve on his 14% caught-stealing percentage from 2024.

That being said, the Cubs have, by far, the best roster on paper, even without further movement, and are a lock to be the betting favorite.