The Cubs shook up the baseball world Friday afternoon, making a splash with a trade for star outfielder Kyle Tucker.

The return was hefty: third baseman Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski and prospect Cam Smith.

Whenever a move like this is made, the reaction is swift and strong – many outlets take to grading the deal.

We gathered some of those grades and analysis:

ESPN: B-

Bradford Doolittle and David Schoenfield grade each major move throughout the MLB offseason.

Here’s what Doolittle wrote on the Tucker deal:

The Cubs are giving up a lot of value to obtain just one for-sure season of their new lineup anchor. I have docked them for it in the grade you see above but my assumption is that after some ho-hum seasons stuck in the middle, the Cubs are making a major push for 2025. Landing Tucker aides that cause considerably, in a similar way to how Juan Soto’s one-sure season for the Yankees was a catalyst in getting them back to the World Series.

Thus I like this move for the Cubs. I like it a lot. Even if Tucker walks after 2025, they have the prospect base to account for that. In the meantime, they now have a golden opportunity to convince Tucker to sign on for the long term. The balance-sheet disparity in terms of relative trade values suggests to me they plan to go after Tucker for more than 2025. It’s a risk but sometimes you just have to roll the dice.

By contrast, the Astros earned a C+ grade from Doolittle.

MORE REACTION TO KYLE TUCKER TRADE

• Cubs swing big in blockbuster trade for Kyle Tucker
• The ripple effects of Kyle Tucker’s trade to the Cubs
• A glimpse at the Cubs lineup with Kyle Tucker in the mix

USA TODAY: B+

The Astros garnered a B- grade from USA TODAY but the Cubs earned high marks.

Their analysis:

WOW. If the Cubs think they’re contenders in 2025 with this move, then it’s intriguing. Or if they’re grabbing Tucker thinking they could sign him long term, then it’s also intriguing.

That said, I’m not sure Chicago is good enough to do either. But when a superstar of this caliber is available and you don’t have to give up THAT much, you roll the dice.

Fansided: A

While the Astros earned a B from Fansided, the Cubs notched an elite grade.

Their thoughts:

It was so apparent that this Chicago Cubs team desperately needed some star power, and Kyle Tucker is a bonafide superstar. He changes everything for the Cubs.

…

Still, as much as it hurts, Tucker gives them a legitimate shot to win the NL Central. For the Cubs to acquire Tucker just hours after the Milwaukee Brewers traded Devin Williams away, they made a statement. Chances are, since the Cubs were willing to give all of that up for Tucker, they’ll be willing to pay up in free agency. That doesn’t ensure that they’ll end up with the player, as the Yankees learned with Juan Soto, but, it does give Cubs fans hope that the 27-year-old will be with the team long-term. Even if it doesn’t end up that way, this is a risk worth taking.

Baseball Trade Values (on X)

The X account @BaseballValues provides a valuation of each player based on their salary, years of control, talent level, etc.

They deem this deal as an overpay by the Cubs:

Certainly, if the Cubs are able to work out an extension with Tucker, that would completely change the valuation.