The Winter Meetings are in the rearview mirror, and Chicago Cubs fans are waiting for the other shoe to drop after the groundwork that may have been laid between the Cubs and Houston Astros on a trade involving Kyle Tucker.
While the Cubs and Astros were unable to reach a deal at the Winter Meetings, there continues to be a sense that the two teams are talking in a direction that could see a deal reached soon.
In talking about the potential Tucker trade during their latest episode of NorthSide Territory, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney suggested that the impression from the Winter Meetings is that the Cubs have "zeroed in" on trading for Tucker.
In providing an update on the trade talks, Jon Heyman pointed to the Cubs as being the likely suitor but pushed back on the idea that a trade will also come with an extension.
If a trade is completed, Heyman all but confirmed that Tucker would not be signing an extension with the Cubs. While that doesn't mean that the Cubs won't sign him back next offseason, the fact is his next contract will likely exceed $400MM.
Tucker's desire to reach free agency will certainly be a determining factor in determining what a package from the Cubs will look like if a trade is completed. Heyman mentioned that the Astros continue to be seeking Isaac Paredes, Seiya Suzuki, and a top prospect in exchange for Tucker. Chances are, if a deal is completed, it will include Paredes, a Major League pitcher, and prospects.
In the same chat, Heyman confirmed that the Cubs have some degree of interest in Pete Alonso. Scott Boras confirmed as much yesterday when speaking with reporters at the Winter Meetings but a pairing with Alonso likely only makes sense for the Cubs if Suzuki is somehow included in the deal for Tucker.
With Thursday serving as travel day for most executives departing the Winter Meetings, it would seem likely that rumors will pick back up over the weekend.