Cubs, Yankees make big deals, A's spending problem and MLB in Vietnam

After a disappointing 2024 season, the Chicago Cubs needed a big player to complement their team and improve their offense. Late last week, they finally did so by landing one of the most coveted trade chips on the block: Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros.

Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman discuss the blockbuster trade that sent the three-time All-Star to the Windy City and why it doesn’t matter that the Cubs had to trade a few notable prospects to sign the Gold Glove outfielder. They also wonder why the Astros ultimately traded away Tucker and couldn’t get an extension through for him sooner to prevent him from hitting free agency after the 2025 season.

Also in this episode Baseball Bar B CastJake and Jordan discuss another Brian Cashman pivot to Juan Soto as the New York Yankees acquired two-time NL Reliever of the Year Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers. They then look at the trade that saw the Tampa Bay Rays send Jeffrey Springs to the Sacramento A’s and how that move will help solve the A’s’ spending problem. The guys end the episode by discussing a few other minor transactions in baseball, the Minnesota Twins are up for sale, and Jake talks about his MLB learnings while in Vietnam.

(2:21) – The opener: Cubs acquire Kyle Tucker

(16:31) – Jordan’s Prospect Hat: Who the Astros got in the deal

(30:48) – Around the League: Yankees trade for Devin Williams

(45:36) – Rays trade Jeffrey Springs to A’s

(52:15) – Turbo Mode: Twins are for sale

(56:11) – Baseball in the wild