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Astros Reluctant To Deal Kyle Tucker For Noah Syndergaard

By Connor Byrne | July 28, 2019 at 11:07am CDT

Houston has been involved in this week’s Noah Syndergaard rumor extravaganza, but at last check, the Astros were said to be “pessimistic” about acquiring him. It turns out the team has “backed off” in its pursuit of Syndergaard partly because of a hesitance to trade high-end outfield prospect Kyle Tucker, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports (subscription required).

Now 22, Tucker has been considered one of the game’s premier prospects since the Astros drafted him fifth overall in 2015. Baseball America (subscription required) ranked him as the game’s 12th-best farmhand in its most recent update, while ESPN’s Keith Law (subscription) placed him 19th. Tucker’s lone taste of major league action last year went horribly – he hit .141/.236/.203 in 72 homer-less plate appearances – but Law explains there’s little cause for panic. At the same time, though, BA and Law each suggest he may be a candidate for a change of scenery.

There is no immediate opening for Tucker in Houston, which has Michael Brantley and Josh Reddick as its primary corner outfielders, superlative rookie Yordan Alvarez at designated hitter and Yuli Gurriel at first base (where Tucker has been getting work of late). Nevertheless, indications are that Tucker’s an Astro to stay. Two weeks ago, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic (subscription) wrote that “it would be a major upset” to see the Astros ship him out for a starting pitcher by Wednesday’s deadline. General manager Jeff Luhnow explained to Kaplan at the time that the Astros still regard Tucker as a cornerstone in the making.

Although he stopped short of calling Tucker “untouchable,” Luhnow noted, “I see Tucker as a part of this team going forward.” He added that “it would be very difficult for us to move one of the top prospects in the game who is just starting his career and is still young and looks like he’s going to have a lot of upside.”

Tucker, for what it’s worth, has slashed .261/.344/.558 with 26 home runs and 22 stolen bases in 403 Triple-A plate appearances this year. Those look like exceptional numbers on paper, but Tucker’s output has only been 10 percent better than average in the offensive gantlet known as the Pacific Coast League, according to FanGraphs’ wRC+ metric. Tucker was an incredible 55 percent superior to the league mean when he hit .332/.400/.590 with 24 HRs and 20 steals in 465 PA during his first try at the Triple-A level in 2018. He has since upped his strikeout rate from 18.1 percent to 24.1.

Despite his downturn in production this year, doubters in Tucker’s long-term potential are few and far between. And if the Astros don’t want to move Tucker for Syndergaard, arguably the most valuable starter on the trade market, then it stands to reason he’s not going anywhere.

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152 Comments

  1. Orbit

    6 years ago

    This time it says “reluctant.” Not “off-limits” like the last couple of years.

    It’s time, Luhnow. Pull the trigger. It’ll cover the hole in the rotation and replace Cole after his inevitable departure in the 2020 rotation.

    Reply
    • saintchristafa

      6 years ago

      Nah. Not unless you can say with confidence who will replace Springer Reddick and Brantley in 2020

      1
      Reply
      • Jbigz12

        6 years ago

        2021. They’ll all be under control in 2020.

        You have to ask yourself who goes into the rotation post G Cole? That’s an even scarier proposition and that starts next year.

        1
        Reply
        • Richard K

          6 years ago

          Right that is the real question as it looks like C Martin is down for at least another year and Whitley has regressed and has injury problems so I see no fix at the SP position coming from within the org. Cole is going to want a 30 mil a year contract and after the Verlander deal the stros cannot afford that and maintain much of their core Syndergaard makes perfect sense for the stros unfortunately with the rise of Alvarez Tucker does not make sense holding on to him.

          Reply
      • mohoney

        6 years ago

        Did you mean 2021?

        Reply
        • saintchristafa

          6 years ago

          Ya that’s what I meant lol.

          Reply
      • ThePriceWasRight

        6 years ago

        Tucker may be something but he’s also blocked this year and next barring a trade. I get not wanting to give up a prospect but this teams weakness is SP right now and while they have some prospects on the farm, not too many of their SP prospects are expected to be front of the rotation guys.

        Reply
      • mohoney

        6 years ago

        Do the Astros have room for Alex Colomé in their bullpen? Colomé and cash for Derek Fisher?

        Reply
        • Aaron Sapoznik

          6 years ago

          The White Sox could use a left-handed bat to balance out a future batting order that leans heavily right-handed. The problem with Derek Fisher is that his 40 grade arm pretty much restricts him to LF where Eloy Jimenez currently resides. The White Sox also don’t need another hitter in the mix who would be restricted to 1B/DH duties. This is why I have championed the pursuit of lefty hitting outfielders such as Alex Verdugo or Ender Inciarte, each of whom possess the ability to play CF and RF.

          Verdugo has a plus-plus arm and would provide the White Sox with another high contact hitting option to go along with future 2B Nick Madrigal and 1B Andrew Vaughn. They would have ample power with Vaughn joining Eloy Jimenez, Luis Robert and Yoan Moncada in the batting order. Robert, Madrigal, Moncada and Tim Anderson would add the element of plus speed to their lineup.

          Inciarte has already garnered 3 Gold Gloves for his defense in CF. He also has some offensive skills with 20+ SB and 10+ HR potential. He managed to record 201 hits and post a triple slash of .304/.350/.409 as recently as 2017 which resulted in a 2.4 oWAR. Even with a drop in offense the following year, he still managed a 3.4 bWAR based on his outstanding defense. Inciarte has achieved bWAR metrics ranging between 2.9 to 5.2 in his five year MLB career before his injury riddled 2019 season. Inciarte could provide the White Sox with another Gold Glove to match Madrigal’s at 2B and perhaps Robert’s in RF, in addition to another burner on the base paths provided he can overcome his recent medical issues.

          Reply
        • mohoney

          6 years ago

          Eloy can DH. Fisher can play LF. The Astros may be OK with giving him up, since he’s in a logjam behind Tucker, Alvarez, Springer, Marisnick, Reddick, and Brantley.

          Reply
        • Jbigz12

          6 years ago

          What are the white Sox going to give up that gets them a CF on pace for 3.5-4 fWAR? There’s no rentals on their team who are even close to that kind of value. There’s no way to get Verdugo to Chicago without it being a 3 way trade. But in order to do that CWS would have to give up top prospects. And find another team to make that happen. There’s nothing the Dodgers need that the White Sox can supply for Verdugo. Unless of course you want to deal Guolito, which I’m positive you do not.

          Reply
    • jasonmarbach

      6 years ago

      They don’t need to move Tucker or Whitley to make a considerable addition to the rotation.

      Reply
      • Raysbear96

        6 years ago

        Yanks vs Astros ALCS
        Tanaka v Verlander
        German v Cole
        Happ v Miley
        Paxton v peacock
        Series over

        Reply
        • Codeeg

          6 years ago

          I don’t know which team you think is winning that series. Yanks have a better matchup in half of them at least.

          1
          Reply
        • Codeeg

          6 years ago

          Astros too. It’s silly just to look at pitching then

          Reply
        • astrosfan4life

          6 years ago

          In what world is that true? Cole and Verlander are far better than all Yankees starters and Miley’s stats this year also exceed all Yankees starters. Don’t be a homer, stats are stats and facts are facts.

          At this point, I don’t think the Yankees would beat the A’s in a playoff series with their current rotation.

          1
          Reply
        • niched

          6 years ago

          It might not even be the Yankees the way they’ve been thrashed lately. Houston has to think about Minnesota, Cleveland and Boston just as much as New York

          Reply
        • thegreatcerealfamine

          6 years ago

          That’s not how pitching in a 7 game series or even a 5 games series goes. Now do everyone a favor a run along now.

          2
          Reply
        • Jbigz12

          6 years ago

          Well, the Yanks and Stros will need to throw at least 3 starters apiece. The rotation advantage for a 3 starter set obviously favors Houston. Both teams should add a starter between now and then so matching them up now is pretty much worthless.

          But if you were going to do so the advantage goes to Houston, obviously. Though the Yankees are clearly going to be riding their bullpen in October.

          Reply
        • astrosfan4life

          6 years ago

          The way who has been thrashed lately? Certainly not the Astros as they have the most wins in the AL and are 7-3 in their last 10 games.

          Reply
        • boo rad

          6 years ago

          Surely he speaks of Boston and their current 3 game massacre.

          Reply
        • a-a-a-astros

          6 years ago

          The only matchup that is even close is Paxton and Peacock and that’s questionable.

          Reply
      • martras

        6 years ago

        I’m sure some team will be really willing to part with a good starter for low level prospects. Maybe a bucket of baseballs or a pitching machine? Sounds likely.

        Reply
      • tsc32

        6 years ago

        Beer is your only other significant prospect and he isn’t headlining a deal for a guy like Syndergaard. Might not even do it for half the pitchers on the market.

        Reply
      • SalaryCapMyth

        6 years ago

        For a SIGNIFICANT addition? If by significant you mean Stroman than yes you absolutley WOULD need to include one of them because Seth Beer is your only other top 100 prospect and ONLY pipeline agrees with that. I dont think Seth gets it done.

        If by significant addition you mean the Mets middle-back end rotation arm Jason Vargas than okay, maybe.

        But the Astros farm isnt what it used to be. They will be good for a while because the current MLB roster is young but the farm needs to restock. They are wise to hold onto Tucker and Whitley.

        Reply
    • deweybelongsinthehall

      6 years ago

      Tucker would be moved as the centerpiece for a true #1. the 2019 Thor just isn’t close to a true #1. If the Mets were to dangle de Grom, I believe the deal would get done.

      1
      Reply
      • jb19

        6 years ago

        100% right. If it was DeGrom we were talking about, then Tucker+ would be more than reasonable.

        2
        Reply
        • Jbigz12

          6 years ago

          Degrom’s also 5 years older and is owed 137.5 MM bucks. Their trade values are probably much closer than you guys think. Syndergaard is much better than one poor bottom line result season. I wouldn’t be worried about acquiring Thor if I were Houston. Wouldn’t surprise me at all to see him become Cole 2.0. I highly doubt that they don’t pull the trigger if he’s truly available for Tucker + some other filler.

          3
          Reply
        • jb19

          6 years ago

          I forgot about that unnecessary extension deGrom’s former agent gave to him as the Mets GM… Thor may become Cole 2.0, you should revisit what the Astros gave up for Cole. It was a bunch of spare parts, players blocked or useful but expendable arms. Lunhow isn’t paying a premium for a guy who’s had previous success, nor should he.

          Reply
        • Jbigz12

          6 years ago

          You aren’t going to get a value like Cole again. At 26 you aren’t paying for Syndergaard’s past either. Unless you think he’s falling apart? They don’t have to pay the price; he’ll just be pitching elsewhere. Not a big deal. Don’t need to get flustered. They’ll likely be facing him in October if they will not pony up. Someone will; that’s seemingly become apparent.

          Reply
        • deweybelongsinthehall

          6 years ago

          De Grom’s money is not an issue and even Cole himself wasn’t traded for Houston’s top minor league talent. Thor is clearly not a #1 at this time. He could develop like Cole but he’s also changing leagues and would be playing half the time in a smaller park. Top young studs get traded for PROVEN ability not just talent.

          2
          Reply
        • Jbigz12

          6 years ago

          I highly doubt the Cole deal is replicable in this market. Too many teams are in on Thor here and Huntington had asked for two top prospects for the Yankees. He decided to go w a quantity approach from Houston instead. But again, that’s a 1 off deal with Neal Huntington. I could point to Chris Archer for an argument going the other way if you’d like. Both were Neal Huntington deals and I’m not sure there’s really going to be any correlation to the Thor deal at all.

          None of us can say with certainty what Thor will go for. What we do know is that he has an immense amount of intrigue surrounding him and we know the Mets are asking for a top 30 prospect headlining. Like I said, Huntington taking a package of lesser quality really doesn’t mean jack shi to me. The guy then went around and dealt a lot of quality prospects for Archer. So I’m not going to read into either one of those deals very much.

          1
          Reply
        • deweybelongsinthehall

          6 years ago

          Think about the overpay the Pirates gave to Tampa for Chris Archer. I’m no Archer fan and would take Thor over him any day of the week. Teams though will not pay a premium for potential.

          1
          Reply
        • Jbigz12

          6 years ago

          Well, citing the Archer deal is citing a deal that was a trade for potential. Thor and 2018 Archer have essentially identical numbers at this time. Huntington gave up a gigantic (potential)premium for potential . But, like I said with the Cole deal I don’t think either one of those deals is very informative of Thor’s market.

          Reply
        • petrie000

          6 years ago

          Citing the Archer deal is problematic because GMs tend to copy previous successes, not failures…

          Reply
        • jb19

          6 years ago

          I’ll take Cole and JV over Thor in October… we are just going around in circles. You want a blue chip MLB ready prospect for a former all star on a down year, just not going to happen. I would rather have the Astros acquire an inning eating pitcher for much cheaper just to get to October w a fresh bullpen

          Reply
        • Jbigz12

          6 years ago

          That’s fine if that’s the route they want to go. The AL’s starting pitching depth is weak but I don’t want Miley being my #3 starter in October. Nor do I want to go into next season with Verlander and McCullers as my only rotation locks. A “blue chip” corner OF who is also blocked and likely won’t be helping me next season wouldn’t be an impediment for me to add what I need. Thor is the only potentially Cole replacement on the market. Though obviously w risk.

          If the Stros don’t get a Stroman or Thor; they’ll be significant dollars in FA next season. Whether that’s to grab a Wheeler or someone else. Unless of course, they trade for Matt Boyd…….

          Reply
        • aerainier

          6 years ago

          The problem with the Cole comparison is that was a deal done in January with little pressure to get a deal done under the crunch of the trade deadline. Not a good comparison.

          Reply
        • jb19

          6 years ago

          Makes more sense to trade Reddick, eat half his contract and bring up Tucker for good. Idk what the Astros do next year in the rotation. I’d imagine Whitley will figure it out, McCullers will heal up and the combination of Urquidy, Armentaroes, Bielak and Josh James become mostly useful 4/5th starters. Wouldn’t surprise me is Kuechel found his way back to Houston as a FA. Astros can make a trade at the winter meetings with an eye on next year.

          Reply
      • SalaryCapMyth

        6 years ago

        If Im an Astros fan I hope they dont trade Tucker or Whitley in a package for an ace that is also south of 29. That’s not on the market so you simply let those two develop and you hope you made the right decision.

        Reply
    • VTGiant

      6 years ago

      If they could get Thor for this guy that crapped the bed in his only MLB appearance they need to reconsider that deal.
      I don’t care what “rating” he has frankly. Verlander and Thor in a postseason series? Give me a break.

      Reply
      • brodafett

        6 years ago

        Cole and Verlander is an immensely better 1, 2 for a playoff. Thor has had 1 very good season and that was in 2016. All he has done other than that has been injury prone, and pretty much is average this year. He’s the Harper of pitching aka overrated as hell

        Reply
  2. Lefty_Orioles_Fan

    6 years ago

    Well how about Tom and Jake Tucker then?
    That would be an interesting duo

    Reply
  3. allweatherfan

    6 years ago

    At the end of the day, he’s still just an OF. I’ll take a talented, mid-rotation or better starter over a potential all star OF any day.

    Reply
    • Raysbear96

      6 years ago

      What the heck are you on, a guy with an ERA north of 4 to a guy that’s raking in the minors right now.

      3
      Reply
      • BasedBallGuru

        6 years ago

        You read where 40% of the league was hitting better than Tucker right? You need to recalibrate what you think raking means. Hes barely been above average as a minor leaguer this year.

        Reply
        • Codeeg

          6 years ago

          A 110 ops doesn’t mean 40% of the league has been better. It’s not relative to who is above or below, but what the average is. It’s not a simple bell curve brah

          Reply
        • petrie000

          6 years ago

          the fact that a stat line that would put him in mvp talks in the majors is only 10% better than league average in AAA says a lot about his suspect those number really are

          ‘Raking’ has a considerably higher standard in leagues where the ball is an absolute joke

          Reply
    • Bone4233

      6 years ago

      Michael Wacha for Jeremy Pena

      Reply
  4. TribeGuy 2

    6 years ago

    Brantley for Bauer. Straight up

    1
    Reply
    • Orbit

      6 years ago

      Nobody in Houston wants Tyler Bauer

      4
      Reply
      • DTD

        6 years ago

        Well, they should. He’s much,much better than Thor or anyone that will attempt to fill Cole’s spot in the rotation.

        1
        Reply
        • jordokmiller

          6 years ago

          Everyone in the locker room already hates him (as do the fans), and he’s on record saying he’s not signing long-term anywhere. He wants to do one year mercenary contacts every year. Hard pass.

          2
          Reply
    • newman2079

      6 years ago

      oh hell no!

      2
      Reply
    • niched

      6 years ago

      Doubtful Cleveland will trade Bauer anyway

      Reply
    • a-a-a-astros

      6 years ago

      Uh…..no

      1
      Reply
  5. newman2079

    6 years ago

    Keep Tucker!! you can still get Syndergaard without giving him up.
    Whitley and Beer should be off limits as well.

    Reply
    • sdsuphilip

      6 years ago

      So how would they get Noah then?

      3
      Reply
      • deweybelongsinthehall

        6 years ago

        The Mets will soon realize no one other than perhaps the Yankees will meet the lofty return they’ve mentioned. Even Cashman may not pony up but I think he understands that for a crosstown trade to happen, he has to blow other offers out of the water. Imagine Thor pitching in the WS and speaking at a Canyon of Heroes Parade. The Mets’ worse PR nightmare since Dick Young and the Daily News forced the trade that sent Tom Seaver to Cincinnati.

        Reply
        • a-a-a-astros

          6 years ago

          He’s going to SD

          Reply
    • Breezy

      6 years ago

      Then they’ll to have to give up their young MLB talent.

      Reply
      • 24TheKid

        6 years ago

        So who…?

        Reply
    • dcrising

      6 years ago

      I love fans of teams who think they can trade for top talent and not have to sacrifice top prospects.

      Reply
      • Raysbear96

        6 years ago

        Tell that to the Dodgers last year when Machado came to them.

        Reply
        • BasedBallGuru

          6 years ago

          Why would you ever compare Noahs 3 yrs to a half season rental. Come on.

          Reply
        • justinept

          6 years ago

          Apples and oranges. Rental bats havent carried much value for a few years now. Machado netting a top 100 prospect was a significant return against recent trends and due only to the fact that Machado is an elite talent. Cost controlled pitching, though, requires a significant return. Look wht the Pirates gave up for Archer, the Cubs for Quintana… and while it’s true neither trade worked out for them, Syndergaard having a better track record will still push conversations into that neighborhood.

          Reply
        • niched

          6 years ago

          Rental. Besides, even the Dodgers and Orioles probably thought Machado was at least a bit overrated

          Reply
    • Gwynning's Anal Lover

      6 years ago

      I wouldn’t share my Beer. The Astros shouldn’t either.

      1
      Reply
  6. Eightball611

    6 years ago

    Wait for a better controllable pitcher that doesnt have an injury history.

    1
    Reply
  7. JerseyShoreScore

    6 years ago

    Since the Astros want to make all their best young talent off limits, the Mets should just accept Tony Kemp for Syndergaard before it is too late….

    Reply
    • Raysbear96

      6 years ago

      Well they would be trading Syndergaard and their GM for Kemp

      1
      Reply
  8. rookiegreg

    6 years ago

    The Mets should simply hang up the phone if Tucker cant be had. These GMs whine way too much about acquisition costs. It would take at least Tucker for a player like Thor so at the end of the day the Stros just dont seem that interested

    2
    Reply
    • dcrising

      6 years ago

      There are about 20 teams who would love to have Syndergaard on their team. Totally agree that GMs hang onto prospects too much. Syndergaard would be a huge fetch for Houston, who doesn’t even have a clear opening at the moment for Tucker. Good outfielders are a dime a dozen, top-tier or even mid-tier starting pitchers, however, are not.

      Reply
  9. Francys01

    6 years ago

    You must give in order to receive. It is not easy for the Mets to trade Syndergaard so the the team acquire him must trade at least one of their top prospects. Sorry, Astros if you are not willing to trade Tucker there is no deal.

    Reply
  10. Dorothy_Mantooth

    6 years ago

    Tucker is starting to show some cracks…time to trade him now! Thor for Tucker straight up should be a no-brainer for Houston. I’m guessing that the Mets might also want a promising arm back as part of the deal too. But if they can get Thor for Tucker straight up, get it done TODAY!

    Reply
  11. Ejoey

    6 years ago

    Who will help Astros this year and at least in 2020 while you are set to make a run for it. Wouldn’t Syndergaard,Bauer,Boyd do more than Tucker,no brainer.

    Reply
  12. jb19

    6 years ago

    I’m surprised the Astros are considering trading for Thor. He’s been a good pitcher and I would love to have him on the Astros, but there’s a name premium there. I think Fisher, James, Bielak and a lower level higher upside guy should get it done. But since Thor is a marketable guy w past success, they’re going to want Tucker included in a deal… Astros would be giving up a top 20 prospect in all of baseball for their third guy in the rotation.

    1
    Reply
    • DTD

      6 years ago

      Not a lot of past success really, just name recognition

      2
      Reply
    • steelerbravenation

      6 years ago

      He is not the run of the mill 3rd guy in their rotation

      Reply
    • mark1125

      6 years ago

      That hodge podge won’t get Thor.

      SO Astro fans want to upgrade SP but not give up Tucker, Whitley, or Beer? Good luck with that.

      Reply
    • Saint Chris

      6 years ago

      You have to think the Astros believe they can turn Thor into a premium, elite pitcher. I mean, their recent track record shows as much. Look what happened after Morton, Verlander, Cole, and Miley signed. They all become considerably better.

      Reply
      • jb19

        6 years ago

        Which is essentially my point, astros buy low and create viable SPs using different techniques. They never overpay and search for acquisitions using different methods. Like finding Presley. Or Martes, Paulino, Bailey, etc (all w varying degrees of success in the minors).

        Reply
  13. steelerbravenation

    6 years ago

    Astros should do this move Thor would be a mean #3 down the stretch & in the playoffs and insurance if Cole leaves after this year

    Gonna take more than Tucker though wonder who else Mets would want

    2
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    • bencole

      6 years ago

      I doubt it even gets to that price. Look at Syndergaard’s last 2 1/2 seasons… he’s not pitched like an ace for a full season in a long time.

      1
      Reply
      • Jbigz12

        6 years ago

        If the Astros will not trade Tucker or Whitley they won’t get Syndergaard. It’s that simple. There’s no packaging of Jb Bukauskas and Seth Beer that will make this deal happen without Tucker included. There’s far too much interest around the league to have a Seth Beer lead package for Syndergaard. That just won’t happen.

        We’re currently in a pitching starved league and teams are enamored with Thor’s talent. So this deal will probably seem like an overpay to you, Ben. Maybe even to a lot of people around here. Guys w Thor’s pedigree and age don’t become available in trades very often. Articles about how teams are “reluctant” to give up a top prospect are going to come out but at the end of the day if this gets done it’s going to take a top prospect like a Tucker, Puk etc. headlining. I just can’t see anyway around that. Certainly not for Houston who has a pretty significant dip in prospect value after their top two prospects.

        Reply
        • Jbigz12

          6 years ago

          If Corbin Martin were healthy, I would’ve said there was an outside chance of making this happen w/o Tucker or Whitley. With his injury, I don’t see that as a possibility. Seth Beer has no defensive position and likely winds up at 1B/DH. That’s no help to the Mets. Bukauskas has a strike throwing issue and projects as nothing more than a #3; but the strike throwing issues are enough of a concern to wonder whether he’s a reliever.

          You can’t trade Thor for that kind of headliner. You won’t do it. Other teams in Baseball will not allow that to be the top offer for a guy like that.

          Reply
  14. msqboxer

    6 years ago

    Obtaining Syndergaard now and not winning the World Series is a lot easier to take then having Tucker called up when rosters expand only to be left off the playoff roster.

    1
    Reply
  15. rangers92

    6 years ago

    The Rangers should make a run at him. They have a decent team. Just need more pitching. Like always. They need to hang onto Minor. Trade for a pitcher with team control beyond this year and then sign one of the many starting pitchers coming up on the free agent market. Those 3 with Lance Lynn would make a formidable rotation. They should however, trade guys like Hunter Pence and Chris Martin to try and recoup a little of what they give up for Syndergaard

    Reply
  16. Richard K

    6 years ago

    Yeah I am not sure as to why Luhnow would not offer Tucker the OF is bottle-necked. Am sure they resign Springer and by the way Alvarez plays LF also. Brantley is also a LF but has played some RF the whole problem I see is if They think they lose Springer and a Brantley then Tucker might make sense to hold onto but good pitching is hard to come by.
    I would recommend they get Syndergaard and unless I am mistaken he is a Texas boy and that bolds well for a future extension.

    2
    Reply
    • dejota

      6 years ago

      We’re alergic to aging curves. Next to 0% chance we retain Brantley and/or Reddick. Springer has seemed destined for FA for a while but the reports are never clear if that is driven by Springer or Lunhow.

      There is a very real probability we enter 2021 with only Alvarez and Tucker at this point. The general idea being Tucker more or less replaces Springer.

      Also we likely cannot afford Springer and Correa. Perhaps neither so we need cheap, controllable talent somewhere or we sacrifice the talent level on the roster. Trading Tucker for Thor might seem like a no-brainer on the surface but its essentially creating a problem down the road to solve a problem we may not have or could solve at a lower acquisition cost now.

      Lunhow’s comments and behavior suggests he can get Stroman without giving up Tucker or Whitley. Is Thor’s potential upside worth that difference in cost? Hell no!

      Reply
      • Jbigz12

        6 years ago

        This move makes you better for 2019 and 2020. You still have Thor in 2021. Tucker is a corner outfielder and you already have Alvarez locked into one corner. Finding another corner outfielder isn’t the hardest thing to do on planet earth. The Astros largest hole will be CF post Springer and Marisnick. (Assuming neither is brought back) Tucker doesn’t fill that hole. You can’t be that concerned about needing a corner outfielder 2 years down the line to not get Thor. That’s a little crazy to me.

        It’d be great to keep everyone you might need down the line and Get an ace like you did with Cole, but I don’t think that’s something you’re going to replicate.

        1
        Reply
        • Jbigz12

          6 years ago

          Largest hole will be CF or SS/3B depending on what they might do w Bregman post Correa. But that doesn’t change the fact that I’m not deeming a corner OF prospect to be untouchable if I’m acquiring someone who I believe could be a TOR starter for the next 2.5 years.

          The Astros are going to be in a world of hurt in the rotation next season without Cole. If you can get Stroman, that may be enough. Assuming you can get him for Bukauskas + Beer or other arms. But they have to grab a potential TOR starter. You can’t go into next year with Verlander and McCullers and a bunch of question marks. That’d be a lot worse than going into 2021 needing a corner outfielder.

          Reply
        • dejota

          6 years ago

          I understand the reasons to make the trade. You don’t seem to be considering or understanding the reasons not to.

          The reasons you trade Tucker for Thor basically start and stop with upside Thor hasn’t provided for awhile. Stroman or Gray or perhaps even Rasiel offer nearly the same upside without the acquisition cost of Thor. It’s not that you don’t have a good point it’s that both sides of the argument have compelling supporting facts.
          Pepper in Lunhow’s comments, previous approach and tried and true policy of setting his price and sticking to it and its not hard to see why Tucker will not be traded for Thor.
          And that approach is reasonable, logical and sound. I dont care how many mets fanboys complain it wont change anything. We’re not giving up Tucker and we’ll improve our pitching without doing so. If that pisses you off or seems irrational then you don’t understand baseball in the modern age.

          Reply
        • Jbigz12

          6 years ago

          You can go get Stroman.
          I’m not against that either. if they deem that cost to be more reasonable, then go for it. I’m 100% for that.
          I don’t care about the Mets at all. Personally, I do not believe Tucker should be an untouchable prospect. That’s my take here. He’s a corner outfielder that isn’t mashing in the PCL. I wouldn’t be terrified of giving him up for Thor, personally. The package of arms you give up for Stroman May end up to be more valuable in the long run than a currently blocked corner OF.

          But, if Luhnow deems Stro a better buy I’m all for it. I think he’d certainly be a great add as well. I think the Astros could add 2 starters if it’s feasible. I’m all for Wheeler going to HOU for less as well. Thor isn’t the only guy by any means….Not saying he is. Getting that arm in the Stros FO and coaching staffs hands is potentially lethal. As a fan of baseball I’d love to see that happen. Wheeler would also excite me in Houston. Though, he doesn’t have quite the upside or control for Houston to really cash in there.

          Reply
        • astrosfan4life

          6 years ago

          Your points are valid and I pretty much agree across the board. The Astros should do the deal, but it wouldn’t hurt to ask for Ramos in the deal too since their catching situation is less than ideal.

          Reply
        • a-a-a-astros

          6 years ago

          Great analysis. Thor just isn’t worth the price. And there is no consideration of the Astros keeping Cole which could happen. Then this whole conversation is moot

          Reply
      • Richard K

        6 years ago

        Stroman has went to the Mets I will write again it is difficult to obtain a quality starter especially one the caliber of Syndergaard and it is likely they can retain Springer, Cole however is the problem he is more than Likely going to want a 30 mil a year deal which after the stros gave the deal to Verlander there is no way they can afford to do the same for Cole and Maintain as much or most of the core they have built.

        Reply
    • marvelmcfey

      6 years ago

      To be honest, they let Springer languish in the minors while waiting to build a good team; I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he rejects a contract to play the field in free agency. That has to be in the back of the front office’s mind.

      I also don’t care if someone is from Texas, They’ll do what is right for their bank account. In fact, every hometown signing in recent memory has been a huge bust. The old owner loved hometown signings and that’s fine if you want your team full of Woody Williamses and Jason Jenningses. I still owe Tim Purpura a wedgie.

      Reply
  17. BKS1110

    6 years ago

    I’d hate to lose Tucker, but as of now the 2020 Astros rotation is headlined by a late-30s Verlander and a McCullers coming back from TJ surgery. This is a move that will help this year and REALLY help the next two years.

    3
    Reply
  18. steelerbravenation

    6 years ago

    Thor & Díaz for Tucker, Whitley, Peacock & Stubbs

    Reply
    • steelerbravenation

      6 years ago

      Maybe throw Marisnick in there as well

      Reply
    • jb19

      6 years ago

      No.

      1
      Reply
  19. rerogers

    6 years ago

    If the Astros seriously spend for Cole then they are likely to lose Springer and maybe Correa. Tucker would be the obvious cheap replacement for Springer. (Springer leaving would be a sad day though) And if Alvarez is the real deal, maybe he can be taught to play left field.

    2
    Reply
  20. Marlins2019

    6 years ago

    Why do fans of every team seemingly think teams should just trade them their best players for scraps?

    “Oh we want [star player].”
    “Sure, give us [top prospect in system].”
    “Noooo, that is too much, I want to keep him! How about [lower prospects no one cares about]?”

    You have to give something to get something, outside the occasional fleece job of course.

    Reply
    • 66TheNumberOfTheBest

      6 years ago

      Because they know that 20-22 of the teams in MLB are really just feeder systems for the real 8-10 teams.

      Reply
    • AstrosKLC

      6 years ago

      They got Gerrit Cole for quantity more than quality. I’m sure a lot of clubs are looking to fleece this rookie GM like the Mariners might have.

      Reply
  21. Deleted Userrrrr

    6 years ago

    Either use Tucker or trade him.

    Reply
  22. Oxford Karma

    6 years ago

    They won’t read a guy with 9 hits for a front of the rotation guy. That’s just stupid. If the Mets did that trade they’d be crazy.

    Reply
  23. jvent

    6 years ago

    Syndergaard and Familia to Houston for Tucker,Straw,Josh James and Presley.
    Resign Wheeler
    In the off season trade Conforto and Lagares to Cleveland for Bauer.
    2020 rotation : deGrom,Bauer,Wheeler,Matz and Kay or James the other joins the Bp with Pressley

    Reply
    • jb19

      6 years ago

      0% chance Presley is included in any trade.

      Reply
    • Deleted Userrrrr

      6 years ago

      1. Trading Thor and then trading for Bauer is a lateral move. Would make more sense to just keep Thor.
      2. What makes you so sure Wheeler will sign with the Mets?

      Reply
      • jvent

        6 years ago

        It’s not a lateral move when your picking up the players if we get those from Houston, switching out Conforto,Lagares and Familia with Tucker,Straw and James

        Reply
        • Deleted Userrrrr

          6 years ago

          Yes it is a lateral move. If the Mets want an established starter it makes more sense to just keep the one they got.

          Reply
  24. davengmusic

    6 years ago

    the goal of a transaction is to win it. otherwise, why even bother? Thor for Tucker isn’t a win for Houston. anything other than Tucker for Thor isn’t a clear win for the Mets. no deal.

    Reply
    • jvent

      6 years ago

      They get Thor for 2more years after this one and with Houston only having 2 starters signed after this one, Houston’s rotation behind Verlander will look like crap that’s why getting Thor now for Houston makes a lot of sense.

      Reply
      • AstrosKLC

        6 years ago

        Not if they can get Stroman for less.

        Reply
  25. DarkSide830

    6 years ago

    this is a non-story. how many times have they already said this. he is going nowhere, end of story.

    1
    Reply
  26. Bob Melvin

    6 years ago

    We have a deal in place for Noah. To be announced within the next 24 hours. Bob

    Reply
  27. tsc32

    6 years ago

    Lol you could land Noah Syndergaard but you won’t because you want to hang on to a guy hitting .260 in AAA? I know he’s a good prospect but come on. That’s silly.

    Reply
    • fatelfunnel

      6 years ago

      I agree, his defense has regressed and his K rate is almost 25% in AAA. Reminds me of AJ Reed!

      Reply
    • dejota

      6 years ago

      This comment doesn’t seem to consider context. Is the difference between Stroman and Thor worth giving up Tucker over say Beer or JBB? Probably not.

      Also look at the Astros OF situatuon in 2021. We have no plan B for Tucker and losing Brantley/Reddick. On the surface I know what you mean but trades rarely can be considered in a vacuum.

      Reply
      • Jbigz12

        6 years ago

        I doubt the Jays are very interested in Beer. He’s a likely DH and they already have more than one of those kind of guys. He could be a piece but I highly doubt that’s what they’re looking to get back for Stroman. It’s much more likely it’s Bukauskas plus 2 other solid pitching prospects + filler if any deal will be made.

        Reply
        • dejota

          6 years ago

          And that still makes more sense than giving up Tucker plus some of those same ancillary pieces for Thor.

          Reply
        • Jbigz12

          6 years ago

          I suppose. You’re going to have to trade multiple arms for Stroman. The upside and control is less. But that may ultimately be the better move for the Stros. That depends on how great you think Kyle Tucker will be. Fangraphs dropped him to a 55 FV prospect and he’s not exactly shredding the PCL to pieces.

          I’m not in anyway suggesting that getting Thor is the correct move over Stroman. I’m just saying if it’s the move they choose it will certainly cost Tucker. Im just providing some counterpoints to the argument here. Needing a corner outfielder in 2 years isn’t the end of the world. Not needing one is better, obviously.

          Reply
  28. calamityfrancis

    6 years ago

    Mets would be silly to trade Thor without Tucker involved. Move on to a team that is serious.

    Reply
  29. nstale

    6 years ago

    how about a package of Fisher/ Bukauskas/Cristian Javier/a single A longshot for Thor? I personally think Fisher has a ton of value. Although as an Astros fan, I would also be OK giving up Tucker in place of Fisher/Bukauskas.

    Reply
    • astrosfan4life

      6 years ago

      Mets say no. Would have to be Beer over Fisher, or your deal plus Beer and minus Javier.

      Reply
    • jvent

      6 years ago

      Not getting Thor without Tucker plus

      Reply
  30. hetzel01

    6 years ago

    It would take a lot more than just Tucker. They should jump all over a deal if it centered around Tucker!

    1
    Reply
  31. seaver41

    6 years ago

    AMF Astros- you won’t pony up your guy- Mets are moving on. I’m disappointed- really wanted to get Tucker and them asking for him is justified

    Reply
  32. Saint Chris

    6 years ago

    Not sure why the Mets would even be interested in Tucker. He’s a stud prospect, sure, but the last thing they need is another corner outfielder with Conforto, Nimmo, Smith, Davis, and maybe Cespedes. If they are intent on trading Thor, seems like they would target middle infield prospects from the Padres.

    Reply
    • jvent

      6 years ago

      Smith and Davis is not OFers Davis will be their starting 3b next year and (Smith and Nimmo will be traded for Bauer in the off season )lol
      Cespedes should be traded to a team that needs power like San Fran in the off season for some of their BP arms.

      Reply
    • Finlander

      6 years ago

      Or the Twins – they’ve stockpiled some nice middle infielders on the farm and also have talented pitching and centerfield prospects to dangle. Minnesota probably needs Thor more than Houston does, hard to take Berrios and Odorizzi over Verlander and Cole in a playoff. Thor would appreciate the defensive improvement and run support there. And there is the Scandinavian connection. Point is, Houston will have to pony up Tucker+ to beat offers from other teams if they want Thor. If the Mets have no current hole for Tucker, they can always flip him later to fill as needed. I do agree Ramos would be a nice additional target for the stros.

      Reply
  33. coldgoldenfalstaff

    6 years ago

    The reason not moving Tucker isn’t trade value, it’s twofold.

    1. Astros have a lot of pitcher free agents this fall, and will need to spend to restock given the setbacks of their near MLB pitching prospects.

    2. To make these trades or signings and not go over the Luxury Tax, they’ll need Tucker to replace a big salary, Reddick is most likely.

    Luhnow has never been just about this year, like other GMs. While it would be great to win this year we have a ring, and it’s not worth sacrificing long-term plans to stay contenders over a long period like the 90s Braves for a predominantly win now trade.

    I suspect Luhnow feels he can still make additions this week without selling those future plans,

    Reply
    • stroh

      6 years ago

      I will take a World Series win with a starting pitching rotation of Verlander, Cole, Syndergaard and Miley over some potential hope that Tucker is the next Mike Trout, which he is not.

      Reply
      • Coal tender

        6 years ago

        Tucker’s older brother flopped at the major league level.

        Reply
  34. Aaron Sapoznik

    6 years ago

    Kyle Tucker is standing in the way of the Astros acquiring Noah Syndergaard? lol

    Adding Noah Syndergaard to a rotation that already features Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole would make the Astros prohibitive AL favorites in October to say nothing of their chances to add a second World Series title in 3 years. Syndergaard’s two years of team control following the 2019 season would also offer Houston a replacement for pending free agent Cole who will cost a ton as the most sought after starting pitcher this winter.

    Reply
    • Saint Chris

      6 years ago

      I’m thinking Cole gets around 7 years, 210m.

      Reply
      • astrosfan4life

        6 years ago

        Probably in that range, and like 99% of pitcher contracts that are gigantic…it will be an albatross in the second half of the deal. Rarely does a large contract for a pitcher truly work out.

        Reply
      • 66TheNumberOfTheBest

        6 years ago

        Boras isn’t letting Cole sign for a penny less than David Price got.

        Reply
        • Jbigz12

          6 years ago

          7/217 is essentially a 7/210. I think that range is probably as high as it goes. We’ve moved into a bit of a different era as far as mega deals. Cole is young enough that he should command right around the Price deal but I don’t believe he’ll beat that by 10’s of millions of dollars.

          Reply
        • Finlander

          6 years ago

          No state income tax in Texas, might alter his price.

          Reply
  35. martras

    6 years ago

    Syndergaards lines, on pace for 32 GS this year and 201.0 IP.
    Season, Since May 1, Since June 1, Since July 1, Last 3 starts.
    4.33 ERA, 3.64 FIP, 8.95 K/9, 2.56 BB/9, 6.1 IP per start.
    3.59 ERA, 3.58 FIP, 8.45 K/9, 2.53 BB/9, 6.2 IP per start.
    3.51 ERA, 3.56 FIP, 8.59 K/9, 3.33 BB/9, 6.1 IP per start
    3.46 ERA, 3.22 FIP, 9.69 K/9, 3.12 BB/9, 6.2 IP per start
    2.57 ERA, 1.84 FIP, 10.71 K/9, 2.57 BB/9, 7.0 IP per start

    He’s an ace pitcher (super elite over the past 5 years) who had a bad start to the year and has improved every single month. Syndergaard’s 5 years (including the current one) have been more impressive in terms of ceiling, and pretty damned consistent with actual results, with what Sale delivered in his 5 years prior to the Red Sox acquiring him.

    Arguing he’s not elite. or not looked at as an ace to most teams and the one that matters (Mets), isn’t realistic. Any team and their fanbase getting Syndergaard for non-elite prospects or MLB ready talent would be doing cartwheels and bragging about how badly they fleeced the Mets as they could barely contain the collective excitement.

    Reply
  36. Melchez

    6 years ago

    Boyd for Fisher, Kemp and Beer.

    Reply
    • astrosfan4life

      6 years ago

      That’s a trade that I could see actually happening.

      Reply
    • Melchez

      6 years ago

      Ouch Bauer gets tagged for 7 runs in 4 1/3 innings against the Royals…

      Boyd starts for Tigers vs Mariners in a couple minutes. Let
      s see if he can make it through 4 innings.

      Pitchers are getting lit up the past couple weeks.

      Reply
      • Melchez

        6 years ago

        Another quality start for Boyd? What? No way… the MLBTR GM’s said Boyd was a fluke. He only pitches well two months a year.
        Did you see Bauer chuck the ball over the center field wall in frustration?

        Reply
    • Bruin1012

      6 years ago

      Not nearly enough for Thor

      Reply
  37. WubbaLubbaDubDub

    6 years ago

    “Gantlet”, hmm? Come on now, Connor. You’re better than that.

    Reply
  38. thomasg2018

    6 years ago

    Tucker for Thor? Mets are crazy. Tucker and who else.

    Reply
  39. julio1221

    6 years ago

    Bring Syndergaard to the Yankees all ready

    Reply
  40. Coal tender

    6 years ago

    Getting Syndergard would be a whopper for the Astros! Trading Tucker would be a “no brainer,”

    Reply

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