The Rundown: Cubs Finally Acquire Tucker, Bellinger Trade Expected Soon, Pitching Costs Escalating

I’ve been holding this piece up while the Astros and Cubs finalize the deal for Kyle Tucker, and now it’s done. Per Jeff Passan of ESPN, Tucker comes to Chicago for Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski, and Cam Smith. I think we can all live with that trade and I expect Cody Bellinger to be dealt to the Yankees very soon. Evan has all the details on the Cubs-Astros trade, and now I can go back to envisioning a Cubs lineup with Tucker and Pete Alonso with a rotation that includes Dylan Cease or someone of similar ilk.

I’ve got to believe Jed Hoyer is going chips-in on the short term while protecting his long-term flexibility. If Rōki Sasaki isn’t happening, let’s build a package for Cease around Michael Busch and sign Alonso. Let’s also raise our glasses for Smith, whose torrid start to his professional career kept Matt Shaw safely on Chicago’s North Side. While we’re at it, a tip of the hat to Hoyer for stepping outside his comfort zone. You can’t keep those kids in the playpen forever.

We’re all entitled to a little Vince Guaraldi Trio to keep us in today’s very festive mood.

Cubs News & Notes

• The Tucker rumors added a bit of excitement to this year’s Winter Meetings, which were a little too quiet for most Cub fans.
• Since the trade deadline, when the Cubs zeroed in on deals that could help them beyond the 2024 season, the club has shifted its focus to solving for wins this upcoming season.
• The markets for Bellinger, Alonso, and Alex Bregman should accelerate now that Tucker has been traded.
• The big trade indicates Hoyer, Carter Hawkins, and manager Craig Counsell are in a “win now mode.”
• The outfielder is reportedly “beyond thrilled” to play in Chicago, but…
• Tucker probably won’t sign an extension as he will likely command more than $200 million next winter as a free agent. Despite being MLB’s fourth-most valuable team at a worth of $4.22 billion as of March 2024, the Cubs are one of 12 teams to never reach a deal worth $200 million or more.
• Extending Justin Steele would reasonably cost the Cubs $96 million over six years ($), per Patrick Mooney and Tim Britton of The Athletic. That would buy out his arbitration years, plus keep him in Chicago pinstripes for a few more.
• Hoyer wants Yankees GM Brian Cashman to include No. 5 prospect Will Warren in the trade involving Bellinger.
• The Cubs and Yankees are reported to be about $10 million apart in trade talks for Bellinger.
• Hoyer and his front office entourage left Dallas with more momentum than any other team toward potential deals.
• The Cubs are a viable contender for Japanese star hurler Sasaki.
• Regardless, reports indicate that Hoyer is working on a big deal for a starting pitcher, most likely via trade. Repeat after me… “Cease, Cease, Cease.” Other pitchers who have been reported to be available include Jesus Lúzardo, Luis Castillo, Framber Valdez, Sonny Gray, Erick Fedde, and Jack Leiter.
• The Cubs and Rays are a good match if Tampa Bay wants to trade one of Zack Littell, Jeffrey Springs, Drew Rasmussen, or Shane McClanahan. The Pirates are looking to trade a starter or two, too.
• Chicago finalized its deal with catcher Carson Kelly because a spot opened on the 40-man roster when Wesneski was included in the Tucker trade.

Odds & Sods

We really need to make Bob Uecker the patron saint of Festivus.

"I signed with the Milwaukee #Braves for $3,000. That bothered my dad, because he didn't have that kind of dough. But we eventually scraped it up."#Brewers #MLB

— Bob Uecker (@BobUeckerSays) December 12, 2024

Central Intelligence

• Milwaukee: The Brewers traded closer Devin Williams to the Yankees for reliever Nestor Cortes and second baseman Caleb Durbin. It’s thrilling as a Cubs fan to see Chicago’s Central Division rivals weakening their rosters.
• St. Louis: The Yankees will now turn their attention to Bellinger and Cardinals’ third baseman Nolan Arenado.
• Cincinnati: The Reds are interested in a trade with the White Sox that would net Cincinnati outfielder Luis Robert Jr.
• Pittsburgh: The Pirates are willing to listen to offers for starters Mitch Keller and Jared Jones. maybe they expect Paul Skenes to pitch every other day.

Friday Stove

Phil Mushnick of the NY Post said that the $765 million the Mets threw at Juan Soto is bad for baseball.

The recent uptick in injuries to pitchers is reflected in the high cost of acquiring starters in free agency or in trade.

The Winter Meetings have ended but the buzz is expected to continue through the end of the year.

The Royals are one of many teams that are expected to be very busy in the coming weeks.

The Phillies are also expected to be very active. They’ll continue to find a taker for third baseman Alec Bohm.

The Mets have aspirations of building a dynasty.

The Dodgers are expected to do whatever they can to sign Sasaki.

Garrett Crochet said he feels “bittersweet” after his trade from the White Sox to the Red Sox.

Meanwhile, the ChiSox believe the Crochet trade has accelerated their rebuild.

MLB Pipeline dropped its first 2025 mock draft.

Extra Innings

Welcome to the Windy City, Mr. Tucker! Nothing wrong with a digital hug watch, either.

Hindsight is 2022, from the first home run of the World Series to the final out: Thank you, Kyle Tucker. You got a great one, Chicago. Go Tuck Go. pic.twitter.com/WGeZ5hpgSD

— Dinn Mann (@mooseoutfront) December 13, 2024

They Said It

• “It’s a faster pace this offseason. I don’t think it’s just us. I think it’s everything. Last offseason felt exceptionally deliberate. This offseason, things are happening quicker.” – Hoyer
• “Jed told us that they have some roster configuration issues that they have examined. Cody and I have been talking a lot about it. Whenever the player is in this situation, there’s always an expectancy. But we also know that where Cody’s at in his career — where his contract is — he’s going to be going to a very competitive team if it happens. If he stays in Chicago, that’ll be a place where he’s very welcome.” – Scott Boras

Friday Walk-Up Song

It might be a fleeting feeling, but it’s fun to be a Cub fan once again because Hoyer signaled his intent to win immediately.