HOUSTON — The Astros were part of one of the biggest offseason deals in baseball, sending outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Cubs in exchange for third baseman Isaac Paredes, prospect Cam Smith and Cy-Fair product relief pitcher Hayden Wesneski.
So how did Tucker find out he was leaving the only team he had played for in his MLB career? In a press conference posted by MLB Network, Tucker said he found out while taking part in the wedding of a former Astros teammate.
“I was actually in Myles Straw’s wedding in Bradenton (Florida), which is a mile south of me kind of when this all came down,” said Tucker, a native of Tampa. “But I see some of the trade rumors just on the internet and whatnot, for however … so I kind of knew it was somewhat of a possibility.”
You can watch the full news conference below on the MLB Network’s X account.
Straw and Tucker were teammates with the Astros from 2018 through part of the 2021 season before Straw was dealt to Cleveland for catcher Yainer Diaz and pitcher Phil Maton.
Tucker said he was balancing being a groomsman while also being a player on the move.
“I was also trying to deal with trying to do all the groomsman stuff, trying to get prepared for their wedding while also trying to field some calls and whatnot on that day,” he said during the news conference.
Tucker also talked about the City of Houston and the fans.
“Definitely enjoyed my time with Houston, not just on the field play, but the clubhouse, off the field with the guys, in the community with Houston,” he said. “It’s a phenomenal city, phenomenal fan base. I can’t say enough good things about Houston.”
Tucker, 27, was a mainstay in the Houston lineup since he debuted in 2018. He has been named to the last three All-Star games and also finished in the top 20 in MVP voting in 2021, 2022 and 2023. He has also earned a Gold Glove in 2022 and a Silver Slugger in 2022.
He is set to become a free agent after the upcoming season.
Tucker posted a thank you message to Houston on Tuesday.
