Part 6/7:
Reflecting on the trade, Snyder awarded the Cubs a grade of B to B+. He acknowledged the positive step of acquiring a superstar like Tucker but emphasized that the Cubs must continue to enhance their roster to truly take control of the division. For the Astros, he gave a grade of D due to concerns regarding the adequacy of the return on investment for a player of Tucker's stature.
The Wider Implications
The trade doesn’t just affect the Cubs and the Astros; it also has reverberations for other teams like the Yankees. The Yankees, who are in search of a left-handed bat to replace Juan Soto, now face a changed landscape after Tucker’s move to the Cubs. With limited prospects left after their Soto deal, their free-agent options may now lead them toward acquiring Bellinger.