with Tucker yet to sign an extension, the 28-year-old remains on track for free agency. Meanwhile, Houston has made a bold move by promoting Smith to its 26-man roster to start the season, despite his limited minor league experience. The Athletic’s Chandler Rome was the first to report the news.
Not only did the Cubs trade away a Top 100 MLB prospect, but they also parted with a player who could have been contributing at Wrigley Field as early as this summer—all for what might be a one-year rental. Smith’s rapid ascent to the majors is nearly unprecedented; according to The Athletic’s Chandler Rome, he is the third-fastest player ever to make an Opening Day roster after being drafted, based on minor league games played. The 22-year-old posted a .313 batting average this spring and is expected to help fill the void left by Alex Bregman’s departure to Boston.
So, where does this leave the Cubs and Kyle Tucker? If anything, it strengthens Tucker’s negotiating position, as Chicago’s front office faces mounting pressure to sign him to a long-term deal. His contract demands could rise as the season progresses, particularly if both he and Smith perform well.
Tucker’s bat is even more crucial for the Cubs now, especially after they traded Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees. Despite competing in a relatively weak NL Central, Chicago has missed the playoffs the past two seasons and got off to a rough start in 2025, dropping both games of the Tokyo Series to the Dodgers. They’ll look to bounce back when they open a four-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday, March 27, at 9 p.m. CDT.
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