A glimpse at the Cubs lineup with Kyle Tucker in the mix
The Cubs have landed their star.
In the type of move that could pay major dividends for the Cubs in 2025 and beyond, Kyle Tucker is headed to Chicago.
This trade changes the complexion of the Cubs lineup in a big way.
[WATCH: Analyzing the Kyle Tucker trade]
First, Tucker turns 28 in January, so he is firmly in the prime of his career. He has earned American League MVP votes 3 separate times and has been named to 3 All-Star teams.
He won a Silver Slugger Award in 2023 and a Gold Glove in right field in 2022.
[MORE: The ripple effects of Kyle Tucker’s trade to Cubs]
With Tucker in the mix, here’s how the Cubs lineup looks right now (though other changes are likely coming):
- Ian Happ – LF
- Kyle Tucker – RF
- Seiya Suzuki – DH
- Cody Bellinger – 1B
- Dansby Swanson – SS
- Michael Busch – 3B
- Nico Hoerner – 2B
- Pete Crow-Armstrong – CF
- Miguel Amaya – C
To reiterate: This is probably not going to be the lineup the Cubs roll with on Opening Day.
With Isaac Paredes going to Houston in the Tucker deal and not Bellinger or Suzuki, it creates a glut of outfielders on the Cubs current roster – and a hole at third base.
[MORE: As trade rumors swirl around Cubs, where does Cody Bellinger fit in?]
Busch has played some third base (61 games in the minors, 14 in the majors) and the Cubs will want to get him in the lineup on an everyday basis after a strong rookie season.
If the Cubs do move on from Bellinger or Suzuki (or another player on this roster), they can backfill with one of the intriguing young prospects knocking on the door of the big leagues.
[The Cubs’ response to the precarious Seiya Suzuki situation]
Matt Shaw and James Triantos can both play third base and Owen Caissie can fill a hole in the corner outfield or at DH. Kevin Alcántara and Alexander Canario can play all three outfield spots. Moisés Ballesteros could factor into the DH mix and occasionally catch.
However this Cubs lineup winds up looking by the time the team takes on the Dodgers in Japan on March 18, it will be anchored by a true star in Tucker.