The Astros aren't going to help fill the Yankees' Juan Soto void.
Houston sent stud outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Cubs in exchange for him leaving the Bronx Bombers for the Yankees to continue their offensive search.
Chicago will send slugging third baseman Isaac Paredes, reliever Hayden Wesneski and infield prospect Cam Smith to Houston. The paper's Jon Heyman confirmed this.
Tucker was the best replacement for Soto due to his combination of speed, power, and defense, but the Yankees were reluctant to include young flamethrower Lewis Gil in the deal.
The team has been at odds over the 2017 sign-stealing scandal, with Yankees GM Brian Cashman calling it “terrible” and saying the Yankees truly had a 15-year World Series drought before returning in the fall. He explained why he didn't see it. A classic from the past year.
The Yankees will now have to wait until next winter's free agency to see if they can acquire Tucker in the reverse scenario of acquiring Soto and then losing him.
Tucker is expected to get a big contract next winter, and the Yankees could offer Soto $760 million, theoretically putting them in a good position to offer him a big contract next offseason.
However, Tucker may not be able to help them in 2025, and the Yankees may end up relying on Cubs outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger.
The newspaper previously reported that Bellinger's contract was a sticking point in negotiations, with Bellinger owed $52.5 million over the next two seasons and a $5 million buyout in 2026.
The Yankees also have expressed interest in free agent first baseman Christian Walker, who played with the Diamondbacks last season.
However, negotiations have stalled because Walker has a qualifying offer, meaning the Yankees would have to forfeit the player's pick.
While the Yankees could use a bat or two this winter, they also acquired former Braves ace Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract and are trading with Brewers closer Devin Williams. He solidified his pitching staff through trade.
