Cubs fans can’t wait to cheer for Kyle Tucker when he takes the field for Chicago this season.

Tucker was acquired in the offseason from the Astros, as the Cubs sent third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski and 2024 1st round draft pick, third baseman Cam Smith.

In an exclusive interview with Elise Menaker from spring training, Tucker shares how he knew Smith and his interactions with him.

[WATCH: First full squad workouts in Mesa, Ariz.]

“I think he’s from the West Palm area so he came up for like a week or two just to hang out, work out and hit a little bit,” Tucker said of Smith. “He’s part of my agency so we have a few guys that are in the Tampa area that kind of get together and work out, some pitchers that throw their bullpens and position players get to hit and throw together and work out … I met him last year when he was still at FSU [Florida State University] so he’s a great kid and I’m sure he’s going to have a lot of success.”

One area that Tucker continues to work on in spring is his defense. The 2022 AL Gold Glover takes exception to any miscues and wants to improve every facet of roaming the outfield.

[MORE: What Ian Happ hopes to learn from new Cub Kyle Tucker]

“On the defensive side, I try to do my part in the outfield because, for me, I kind of take it personal in the fact that if I mess up, it’s not just affecting my stats, the pitchers got to throw more pitches, guys got to stay out on the field longer and I don’t want that to happen,” Tucker said.

Last season, Tucker was sidelined with a fractured shin for 3 months before returning to the field. Now that he’s fully healthy, he hopes to play a full season and give the fans what they want.

“It was the longest I’ve been out,” Tucker said. “I didn’t even want to come out of the game. I at least wanted to finish my at-bat but I was trying to just do whatever I could to get back because I don’t like to just sit around and doing the rehab process.

“I don’t think anyone likes to do that. My goal is always to play as many games as possible. The fans come out and spend their money to watch us play and support their team so I try to get out onto the field no matter what.”

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