Counsell, the highest-paid manager in Major League Baseball, said during a recent interview at spring training in Mesa, Arizona, that he is feeling much more comfortable. He said he is also embracing the championship expectations that come with the job.

From Houston Heat to Chicago Chill—can Kyle Tucker keep the Cubs’ lineup on fire? The post Craig Counsell Makes His Feelings Knows About $17.5 M Ex-Astros Powerbat Replacing Cody Bellinger appeared first on EssentiallySports.

In joining the Cubs, Tucker has gone from a key member of the Astros' supporting cast to franchise star, even if it could be short lived.

Two springs ago, Dansby Swanson arrived as the Cubs’ marquee offseason addition on a lengthy contract, making him the face of a franchise trying to climb back into contention. The star shortstop experienced a rough Cactus League in the batter’s box for a tough first impression.

The Chicago Cubs are looking to snap their four-year playoff drought in 2025. Chicago made arguably the most significant franchise-altering move this offseason, sending a trio of players to the Houston Astros in exchange for three-time MLB All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker.

At 28 years old, Tucker is in his prime and has been a consistent force over the past four seasons, averaging a 5.3 bWAR per year. While that production level places him on the fringe of MVP contention, a strong surge in 2025 could push him into the elite 7.0+ bWAR territory—a mark that has often defined past MVP winners.

It came down Sunday, when the Cubs announced that Nicky Lopez, a veteran non-roster invitee, hadn’t made the roster for the Tokyo Series and they were returning him to minor-league camp. Utility players Gage Workman and Vidal Bruján will be making the Tokyo trip, manager Craig Counsell said.

With the start of the regular season quickly approaching for the Chicago Cubs, the team will be anxious to see if the moves made this offseason are enough.