Like so many Cub fans, I’ve been waiting for the team to make a significant move this offseason, one that was more about moving assets and not just spending the Ricketts’ money. And like non-Mets fans, I’ve grown tired of hearing what the Cubs can’t afford to spend.

The recent Juan Soto deal is mind-boggling in so many ways, not the least of which is how it will forever impact what other teams will spend this offseason. It’s also really hard to argue with other fans what the remaining 29 teams owe their fans regarding player procurement.

All this is moot now that the Cubs traded for slugger, Kyle Tucker. In this case “slugger” applies as the 27-year-old has compiled a career .516 slg. Even in his worst full season, he slugged .478 and batted .257. 110% of today’s ballplayers would kill for those as career high’s.

The apparent snag in this ideal deal is what the Cubs had to cede to the Astros, Cam Smith (a 2024 first round pick), Isaac Paredes, and Hayden Wesneski. While I like Paredes, he completely floundered in his 27 minutes with the Cubs since being acquired last season. I think Wesneski will thrive in Houston and not just because he’s a native son, but rather because they seem to figure pitchers out. I don’t know if the Cubs pitching lab ever figured him out.

Unless there’s a hidden financial aspect to the trade, it appears to be an exchange of assets-something that shouldn’t impact their bottom line for now. This is the sort of f trade I love-no consideration for balancing budgets, or salary dumps. However, the Cubs will have to figure how much they will offer him after the season as he appears headed to free agency.

In what seems like a century ago, Jack McKeon was on the cover of either The Sporting News or Baseball America with players he acquired for the Padres. At some point, Jack signed the copy for me and his nickname has stuck with me. He served as GM for the Padres from 1981-90 and managed a little in between.

Back in 1990 he completed an epic (at the time) trade, Robby Alomar and Joe Carter for Fred McGriff and Tony Fernandez. That was one of those great trades where both teams benefited, and people could debate who won the trade.

Unlike trying to sort out the rumors and “proposed trades” concocted by writers and radio hosts (with no real sources or connections), I prefer discussing the merits of a trade. Debating and discussing the components of the trade and what teams should do next is more fun. I for one, don’t need to hear from the experts. I’d rather engage with fans dealing with the trades.

Another big trade from the Trader Jack Era involved a pathetic hitting future HOF’er and some guys. Back in December of 1981, McKeon traded a26-year-old shortstop with a career slash of .231/.295/.278 with 1 HR and 129 RBI in 583 games to the Cardinals for Sixto Lezcano, Luis DeLeon and Gary Templeton. I don’t think STL fans remember that Steve Mura came back in the trade, but Ozzie Smith was that anemic hitter that became a Hall of Fame shortstop. More importantly, how many fans in Detroit, Milwaukee or Atlanta remembered that McKeon fail?

Figuring out what the Cubs next step will be will occupy me over Christmas break. I’m betting they won’t chase any high-priced free agents, but the exchange of assets will be fun to follow.

Thanks for the early Christmas present Jed!