Cubs’ Kyle Tucker Reveals True Feelings on Returning to Face Astros originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
This offseason, the Houston Astros traded star outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs for Isaac Paredes, Cam Smith, and Hayden Wesneski.
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Tucker played the first seven years of his career with the Astros and became a fan favorite and superstar. Tucker made the All-Star game in his final three years in Houston and earned a Gold Glove in 2022 and a Silver Slugger award in 2023.
The former Astros outfielder had a memorable run in Houston that will live forever in fans’ hearts. Tucker helped the team get to five American League Championship Series and three World Series, winning the ALCS three times and the World Series once.
One of his most memorable moments came as he caught the final out of the Astros’ 2022 World Series championship.
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The Cubs will begin a three-game weekend series with the Astros in Houston on Friday, and the Astros will honor Tucker with a tribute video that’s bound to be followed by a warm welcome from the home crowd.
“It’d be nice,” Tucker said (h/t mlb.com). “We had a lot of success over there for however long. I had a lot of great years and great memories over there, so I’m looking forward to being back in Houston, and just kind of playing the series.”
Tucker has always been a very calm and collected player that does not show a lot of emotion. But, throughout his seven years in Houston, he witnessed multiple players make their returns and knows the moment will be special.
Houston Astros designated hitter Kyle Tucker (30) walks out of the dugout before the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Minute Maid Park.Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
“It’ll be fun. It’ll be a good experience,” Tucker said. “Obviously, the first time back, so it’ll be cool to see the guys and catch up with them. But, we’re also there to play against them, so I’m a little more focused on that.”
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The series between the two teams should be an exciting one as they both hold a 48-33 record coming into the weekend, tied for the third-best record in the MLB. Both teams lead their respective divisions and hold the second-best record in their respective leagues.
Chicago’s series against the Astros begins Friday at 7:10 p.m. in Houston and concludes Sunday afternoon.
Related: Cubs Manager Craig Counsell to Leave Struggling Star in Heart of Lineup
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.