DALLAS — The Astros are increasingly looking open to trading Kyle Tucker, and the Yankees are among the teams most seriously pursuing the star outfielder, the Post reported. .
But the Yankees may not be the most eager to pursue Tucker now that the winter meetings are coming to a close. The Cubs are considered a favorite for the left-handed pitcher, and the Giants are also involved in negotiations with the Astros.
The Phillies were one of the teams that at least inquired and tried to find a package to work with the Astros.
Tucker, who turns 28 next month, will be a free agent after the season, and due to Juan Soto's record 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets, Tucker's salary next offseason could be as high as $300 million. It is thought that there is a high possibility that the amount will be raised to $400 million. Houston owner Jim Crane has never been upset with the length and amount of money it takes to keep that kind of player, which is why Tucker was such a hot topic in these meetings. .
In fact, Houston got a preview of life without Tucker last year when he missed three months with a shin contusion, but still posted an AL-best 48-31 from June 4 to September 25. Recorded. Tucker was the best player before his injury, but he was fifth.
The Astros are prioritizing major league-ready infielders and starting pitchers when moving Tucker. Chicago has first baseman Matt Shaw (the Cubs' leading candidate, according to MLB.com), third baseman Cam Smith and 2024 All-Star Isaac Paredes, but Houston is prepared to lose third baseman Alex Bregman. We have a lot of attractive players. Free agent.
What makes the Yankees attractive is that the Max Fried deal gives them seven potential starting pitchers for next season. This idea would be an incentive to trade Marcus Stroman or Nestor Cortez, who will have a walk year next year, to collect as much of the $18 million owed next year as possible. And it might happen.
But with the top of the Yankees' farm system in a down cycle, they'll have to get creative to acquire a player of Tucker's caliber, and Houston will have to get very creative with AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil. It is said that he is interested in It's possible that Gil and Ben Rice can at least lead a team that can lead the Yankees to victory.
Tucker represents the best left-handed hitting outfielder the Yankees could possibly have even with the loss of Soto. And if they acquire him, the Yankees will trade for a star player in that category who will be entering his second consecutive walk year since acquiring Soto from the Padres at last season's winter meetings. Gill, or perhaps Clark Schmidt, could be considered to some degree as a key piece sent to San Diego to acquire Soto, similar to Michael King last year.
Reflecting his all-around excellence, Tucker played in just 78 games last year but finished 27th in the majors with a WAR of 4.2 (FanGraphs), ahead of Aaron Judge, Soto, Gunnar Henderson, and Bobby. He finished fifth behind Witt Jr. He finished in the top four in AL MVP voting when he fouled a ball to his right shin and was on a three-month slump.
Tucker won the Gold Glove Award in 2022, hit 29 home runs, 30 stolen bases, and led the AL with 112 RBIs in 2023, and last season he posted a career-best 181 OPS in 339 at-bats. He was ranked 5th in league MVP.
