Houston Astros fans were ready to riot when the team decided to trade Kyle Tucker this past offseason. While it was apparent that Tucker and the Astros were never going to come to terms on an extension, trading away an All-Star outfielder while expecting to be in playoff contention felt very much like waving the white flag on the 2025 season.
Tucker got off to a hot start with the Cubs, which didn't help those hurt feelings, but the trade has aged well for the Astros. Despite his hamstring injury, Isaac Paredes was playing great for Houston before his trip to the IL, and Cam Smith's potential is off the charts.