11:15am: Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome of The Athletic confirmed Houston’s interest in Smith, Paredes, and Gil in a report this morning while also noting that the Astros have interest in Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki. Suzuki is a trade candidate in his own right but club brass has downplayed their interest in moving him. That disinclination to part with Suzuki is confirmed by the report from Rosenthal and Rome, who note the Cubs are “highly unlikely” to move him.
10:03am: On the heels of Astros GM Dana Brown acknowledging earlier this week that the club isn’t ruling out a trade of either Kyle Tucker with free agency looming next winter, Joel Sherman of the New York Post described the Yankees as among the teams “most seriously” pursuing the outfielder. Sherman adds that the Cubs are viewed as a “strong player” in Tucker’s market as well, however, while the Giants are also involved. The Phillies have “at least inquired” on Tucker previously, per Sherman, but while they tried to put together a package for the outfielder it’s unclear whether or not they remain involved in his market.
Buzz surrounding the possibility of a Tucker trade has increased in the days since Juan Soto signed his record-breaking deal with the Mets, and as the Yankees turn towards their contingency plans for if they failed to reunite with Soto it’s hardly a surprise that they would be involved in talks regarding another star right fielder. Both New York and Chicago’s interest in Tucker’s services has been previously reported, but Sherman’s report notably suggests that the Astros are prioritizing big-league ready corner infield and starting rotation help in trade talks surrounding Tucker. While the Yankees themselves are lacking in corner infield talent, the club reached an agreement with lefty Max Fried yesterday to create a surplus in their rotation, and Sherman adds the Astros are said to be “very interested” in reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil.
The Cubs, by contrast, are flush in the sort of young talent that the Astros seem to be prioritizing. Top infield prospect Matt Shaw is primarily a second baseman by trade but spent the majority of the 2024 season at third base. Sherman notes that Shaw is joined by 2024 first-round Cam Smith and incumbent third baseman Isaac Paredes are “attractive” to the Astros as they run the risk of losing longtime third baseman Alex Bregman in free agency. While not noted in Sherman’s report, it’s also worth noting that Chicago has a number of young pitchers who they could theoretically make available including Javier Assad, Jordan Wicks, Ben Brown, and Hayden Wesneski.
As for the other teams mentioned in Sherman’s report, both clubs have at least theoretical fits for Houston’s reported ask as well. The Giants have former top prospect Marco Luciano and power-hitting utility man Tyler Fitzgerald as pieces who may be attractive to the Astros as third base options, while right-handers Hayden Birdsong and Mason Black are among the club’s more interesting young pitchers who could be made available. It’s unclear whether any of those names have been discussed or to what level Houston would be interested in them, but San Francisco sports a deep group of young options in both areas. The infielders figure to be particularly available following the club landing Willy Adames in free agency, and the same could be said of the rotation pieces if they’re successful in their reported pursuit of Corbin Burnes.
The Phillies, meanwhile, are known to be making third Alec Bohm available in trade but may be an imperfect fit for the Astros needs. The infielder has just two years of team control remaining, and two years of a solid but unspectacular third baseman seems unlikely to land one year of a star player like Tucker. It’s possible the Phillies could supplement a package including Bohm with starting pitching, but it would be a shock if the club was willing to part ways with top prospect Andrew Painter and other options like Mick Abel and Seth Johnson are likely far less inspiring to the Astros.
Would love to see Tucker in the Bronx, but I think the Astros see the Yanks as their bitter rival.
Idk how that true it is for the current Astros front office at least. It’s all different people at this point. Maybe the owner has a grudge but they won two championships and got the last laugh over the Yankees each time so there shouldnt be a grudge but who knows. I think the Yankees don’t match up well for a trade but he’d be a great fit there.
Yankees can offer a pkg of one of Dominguez or Gil, Rice and another prospect and easily get Tucker. Lets get it done!
@Anthony
Way too much for a 1 year rental. Gil isn’t a prospect. He’s the reigning ROY with 5 users of control. Dominguez is likely to be our starting CF, and there aren’t any FA options or in-house outings to replace him unless they move Judge back to CF, which they’d rather not do.
i think they meant gil or dominguez not both. i would do gil, rice and a prospect in a nanosecond. tucker is a beast
@Dasit
Not for a 1 year rental. Sorry. Makes zero sense. There are other LF we can get, and while they’re not as sexy but only cost cash.
the only outfielders left are profar or trade for bellinger and try him in LF. both of them combined wouldn’t replace soto’s production. yankees are in win-now mode, have a surplus of starters and an extremely shaky line-up. i would make a run at him
@Dasit
I wouldn’t call their lineup “shaky”. it’s incomplete but not “shaky”. There’s no replacing Soto’s production. They’re are quite a few good LF left. But look at it a different way. We were a top offense (top 3) across the board with the exception being SB. We accommodate that giving about 1,800 PA to Torres, Verdugo, Rizzo and DJ. How much better can they be if they upgraded Rizzo to Bellinger, a full season of Jazz at 3b or 2b vs Torres, DJ and utility guys and Verdugo to Profar and Dominguez? Tucker is not worth giving up Gil or JD and the threat that he can walk at the end of the year makes it an untenable scenario.
I’m sure they do. But if Brian Cashman comes off some serious prospects, the Astros have to do what’s in their best interest, regardless of whether they hate them or not.
depends on the offers but it’s the same Cashman who recently reminded the world the Astros cheated in 17. This, I think they will use the Yankees to get more from another team. Tucker is that good that another club will only up for 25.
I doubt they truly care about this stuff. Maybe if they played in the same division or city, but New York and Houston don’t have a real rivalry
I don’t see the relationship that way. With the way the Astros curb stomped the Yankees several playoffs in a row, I’m not sure it’s as big a deal for them while they’re retooling. It’s unlikely they will meet in during Tucker’s year with them (next playoffs).
We definitely see them as a rival though, because we were KO’d by them.
Casor and Yankee, have you forgotten Cashman recently again indicated how they cheated in 17?
Normally I’d agree with you, Dewey, but Tucker was not there in 2017, so I think they would justify that to themselves.
@Dewey
He most certainly has a problem with what the Astros did that year, but to refuse to trade with them when it could make his team better? Nah I don’t see that level of vitriol.
The big factor is how the Astros feel about the different packages. Every team has their own assessment of other team’s prospects. If the Astros like the Yankee’s package of prospects more than others, and it’s the value they deem enough, they’d do the trade.
I like Tucker. He is a great player but we saw how we were outbid for Soto from the Mets and we saw the savvy Boston move to get a cost controlled Crochet verses what the Yankees laid out for Fried. If Gil is to be put in any package it should be for James Wood of the Nationals and he should stabilize the Yankee Lf position for years to come. Additionally, although Bregman is a great player, I prefer the Yankees target Milwaukee’s third baseman Ortiz in a trade. These two players are exactly what the Yankees need to be financially flexible for other opportunities, balanced, exciting, youthful, and stay competitive for the long term.
The difference being that the Astros are willing to move Tucker, while I doubt the Nat’s are willing to move Wood.
the yanks are in the lead if Gil is in the conversation. best return compared to the other two teams involved in tucker. we will see if anything happens – all smoke
How on earth could you actually know it would be the best return?
im very intimate with the cubs situation. paredes + prospect (Shaw is untouchable) or Gil for all his controllable years. Gil looks more attractive. Phillies arent even in the conversation. Suzuki isnt going to waive his no trade clause which would obviously be a better piece the Astros would want
Lol. Thanks mlb insider.
also jed has been seen jacking it at the winter meetings
He needs to be a dodger. We will include Lux, Bobby miller, River Ryan, Sheenan, and any other 3 minor leaguers not named dalton rushing.
Then he can sign a billion dollar deal and LA can defer the money over the next 100 years ♂️
Sure? What’s with this weird viewpoint on deferrals from commenters in every single comment thread?
When one person after another says it, perhaps it not so weird?
I’m shocked MLB has allowed deferrals. Deferrals are counterproductive to what Major League Baseball says they want and should want – talent and money spread out more fairly across the league. Of course we know this isn’t feasible but big market teams have a leg up using deferrals. players can go there and make money in sponsorship and advertising, where they potentially would not be able to in places like Kansas City.
What’s really weird is every player “needs to be a Dodger”
Ha, every elite player, anyway…
It’s not weird, it’s lazy.
I’ll remind you of this convo on Bobby Bonilla day.
@Dan I’m shocked so few know the basics of finance. Or so many who frequent a site related specifically to MLB, do not have any comprehension whatsoever of how deferrals are outlined in CBA.
Teams are required to fund principal of any deferral annually. That $ is invested and will accrue to the value of payment in time for collection.
Ohtanifor instance earns $2M annually and LAD has to pay $44M to fund deferral. So the true value in todays dollars is $46M, which is what they are being charged for against luxury tax.
It is no great savings for teams. It just bolsters the reported $ of contract. So in reality the value of his contract is $460M.
And every team has the ability and right to defer $. As for the endorsements, that’s a reality regardless if any $ is deferred.
I think it’s flawed (yes and I am a Yankee fan) … more of a baseball fan. This crap is gonna cause a work stoppage!
The one thing I recall hearing when the Ohtani deferrals were discussed is that the Dodger should make some money in the future on this. The fine print of the contract would stipulate how the $44mil set aside can be invested. Being that the Dodgers are owned by Guggenheim group, they’re smart enough to put that $44 deferred money to work. Quite likely that the fund will end up being worth more than what Ohtani is owed. Dodger would get to keep the excess.
Believe the rate of return to turn $44mil to $68mil over 10 years is approximately 4.5% with compound interest. In theory, depending on investment stipulations, an investment firm should be able to easily beat 4.5%. Per the Rule of 72, they could roughly double an investment over 10 years given a 7 to 8% annual return. That $44mil deferred money could end up being $80+mil when it comes due to pay the future $68mil to Ohtani. The Dodger could stand to earn substantial amounts from those investments. That’s a single year, now multiple that out by 10 years.
Maybe it’s not so weird, but just tired.
@average Alot of people seem to not understand deferrals and view them as this mechanism being used to manipulate the rules. They also seem to believe it’s like a credit card, just rack up debt and worry about whenever.
As we know neither of those things above are true. MLB has rules governing funding and assessing true value of deferrals for the seasons actually played. Those rules require them to fund the deferrals and charge again luxury tax accordingly.
Theses rules are also afforded to every team. The issue is not the deferrals, it’s still big market teams spending more as they have for decades. The larger the contract the more likely player will seek deferrals obviously.
@yanks Why would it cause a work stoppage?? That makes no sense whatsoever. Players are choosing to have $ deferred as they have for about 40 years since I believe Bruce Sutter having first deferred $ in contract.
There is no advantage really gained. The Dodgers gave Ohtani a basically a $460M contract. Because HE chose to have deferrals he’s letting Dodgers hold the risk on the required annual deferall funding . In turn he gets a fixed amount guaranteed later on from Dodgers.
Traditionally invested $ doubles roughly every 7 years. Ohtani is ultimately losing $ here opposed to taking it upfront. However he gains security hedging his investments. He makes tens of millions annually in endorsements so it’s a pretty good strategy. His agent likely pushed this approach as well, it built upon his lore with the “700M” figure opposed to 460M. It also is still drawing attention and further bolstering his brand.
As stated above these deferrals have been going on for 40+ yrs. All but one have went accordingly. The lone issue was tied to a historically unprecedented financial scam. So any notion that they are bad or MLB, MLBPA, or it’s players would suddenly oppose deferrals is kind of asinine. They are not going to suddenly reverse course on something that provides no competitive advantage and is strictly governed because some fans are financially illiterate.
So two guys (Sheehan & Ryan) that had recent UCL surgery.
That’s why I was including more prospects
jdt24boxer — Giants can beat that offer easily and should. Lux, like some many hyped Dodger prospects, isn’t anything special. After watching players like Ruiz, Verdugo, Outman and others flatten out, I think the glow of Dodger prospects is gone.
No argument , and the giants should be all in as well
offer gil plus any 3 prospects not named jones and see if they stay on the phone
That’s a hefty price to pay since Gil just won ROY; but it may be what’s needed to get it done.
tucker is the only bat out there that really moves the needle. playing in yankee stadium in his walk year he’s a 6 war player. i would be super aggressive with the offer (all our prospects stink anyway lol)
I would think it has to come with a contract extension for Tucker too. What would amount to somewhat of a repeat of Soto would really sting.
a repeat of soto means getting to the world series i’ll take it!
If we had won, I would definitely agree haha.
right just need to fix that one little detail 😉
itsmeheyhii —
I think that would be true for any team given what that team will have to give up for Tucker.
Could be easier to acquire Tucker if they take Pressly and his contract. Yankees need rp. Tucker would probably accept an 11/420 million extension offer. Tucker for 420 over 11 years sounds much better than Soto for 800 million over 16 years. Even though Soto is 2 years younger.
I’d honestly rather they include jones if it means keeping gil
Tucker is exactly what the Phillies need, but I don’t know if they have the package to get him. It starts with Bohm, Crawford and more.
Von;
I think the Phillies would do that IF Tucker would sign a long-term extension. No doubt the Phillies would give him the bucks.
They should. He fits so perfectly in this lineup.
I think Marsh would have to be included as well as an cheaper MLB OF for Houston. A package of Bohm/Marsh/Crawford would have to have some appeal for 1 year of Tucker.
Marsh is not the problem with the Phillies outfield, he’s the only keeper there that they have.
That’s not the point. Bohm and Marsh are pretty ho-hum players and wouldn’t have enough upside for the Astros. Crawford’s speed may tantalize but he’s without pop and a long way from MLB.. Astros could do better elsewhere.
It’s not about trading away problems. It’s about improving. I like Marsh a lot, but he’s a platoon/bench player at best. Phils OF production was their biggest weakness IMO.
It’s risky trading for Tucker because after Soto, he is absolutely not signing an extension and will be testing free agency next year.
Marsh is the dominant side of the platoon. It’s not 51% it’s two thirds.
Why is this genius GM unable to acquire a RH outfield mate for Marsh?
If pitching is the ‘Stros prime target, I’d argue it starts with C Sanchez, Bohm, and Crawford. Sanchez would hurt – but this does feel like a classic DD move.
Adding Sanchez is too much to pay given that ages and contracts for Nola and Wheeler unless they do a significant extension with Tucker as part of the trade. Bohm, Crawford, Caba, and lower level pitching is the most I would offer for one year of Tucker.
Maybe. But counterpoint: it’s Kyle Tucker. Painter joining the club adds a potential top of rotation arm – at least for the playoff push – and helps balance the Nola/Wheeler extensions. Adding Tucker fits DD”s historical star-hunting approach – and I could see a scenario where extending Tucker is prioritized over extending Schwarber.
It’s 1 year of Tucker. Like Soto, he’ll test free agency after the season. You absolutely do not include Sanchez in this trade. Abel, Crawford and Bohm perhaps. Either way, there’s a significant chance Tucker leaves whatever team he is on next year. He’ll aim for a 400-500 mil contract,
Cubs in on Tucker? Interesting. He is a better hitter than Bellinger, but that means they might have a trade lined up to ship out Bellinger. Let’s see what happens.
I could see them trading Belli to the Yankees and the turning around and getting the better Tucker, a la Yankees-Twins trade a few years back.
Clip,
Would you prefer Bellinger or Tucker? Belli can play all three outfield positions plus 1B, so he’s got more defensive value, his bat isn’t bad, but Tucker has the offensive upside.
Great question. Honestly, it would depend on what they can do after. My preference would be Tucker, who is the better player, and then Walker for first, as he is every bit as good as Belli defensively and offensively (perhaps even better).
That would be ideal, but probably unlikely. As of right now, Belli fits the needs better because of his versatility, but the Yankees also need a LFer.
Tuckers elite bat puts him over Bellinger imo.
Tucker is clearly the better player and younger but Belli could stick around or be extended, whereas Tucker will almost certainly want to hit the open market and get his $500M+ payday. Unless Yanks or whoever offer him an absurd deal to forego FA.
Acoss1331 — Tucker is, by far, the better player.
Across, the only reason Tucker doesn’t play CF anymore is because Meyers, McCormick, and Dubón are very good
No doubt. Tucker hands down. While Bellinger is overpaid at $27.5M, Tucker is worth more.
Acoss1331;
Come ‘on…..
For the Cubs he’s a one-year rental. They’re not competing for a championship in 2025. And he and his agent aren’t signing an extension with a team that goes in circles every year.
Samuel,
Yeah, definitely need to get an extension for a Tucker trade I agree.
Clip,
I will say Bellinger has upside in that he would do well at Yankee Stadium as a lefty bat.
An extension isn’t happening in this Soto era. He’s going to test free agency. That doesn’t mean he won’t resign with the team he’s on, but he’s absolutely not extending anywhere.
Unless Cubs and Tucker are both content on parameters of a 400mil extension, can’t see them giving up a key prospect like Shaw or other young pieces they are counting on when ’25 isn’t WS or bust.
That is more Yankees or Dodgers speed.
Maybe Giants, they have the prospects and the cash.
Deju Vu for the Yankees. Empty the farm for Tucker just for him to sign with Mets next offseason.
@mets
Yanks didn’t empty the farm. King only had 2 years of conto. Higgy wasn’t a rookie. None of the prospects were top 5.
Giving up Gil would be brutal, but it would be worth it. Tucker isn’t Soto (obviously), but he replaces a great deal of Soto’s value.
Also, pitchers like Gil could regress. It’s not a terrible idea to cash that chip in while you have it.
Yankees need Tucker he’s a 5 tool guy. Probably one of the few guys to trade Dominez for or Spencer Jones. Jones, Pereza, Rice and Gil. 4 for 1. Let’s go Cashman
I have no problem emptying the farm system now. Judge and Cole the time is now. It’s now or never!!!!!
love gil but he had 1 incredible month. the rest of the season he pitched like a back of the rotation guy)
@dasit
Let’s keep in mind he’s a rookie. He pitched 150 innings with a 3.50/4.14 ERA/FIP. His glaring issues is his control. Among all SP with 100 innings thrown last year, he was dead last with 4.57 BB per 9 IP. that’s something he needs to work on and I think everything else will fall into place.
Gil walks too many guys for me to ever be confident in him long term, especially in the postseason.
Gil will regress. XERA of 4.23. A very lucky BABIP of .238 against him and a slightly lucky strand rate of 74%. When those normalize he is nothing more than a #3-4 SP at best. The fact that the Astros made it known that Gil was the coveted player in a potential trade with NYY just shows their fall under Dana Brown will be fast and will land with a very loud thud.
He’s not going to the Yanks.
I’m hearing he really wants to go to the Yankees. It is because everyone wants to play there.The greatest franchise and best fans in the world
Amen!
They’re not even the best fans in NY.
Yeah, hard agree with clever greene, in NY those Buffalo Bills fans are DEDICATED. But yanks are def the best in the city.
i’m old enough to remember when that could be posted without sarcasm
Has nothing to do with that right field porch in a contract year.
Braves need to get it done or else they will fight with the Nats and Marlins for 4th place.
Braves are fine. They’re still a division contender if healthy.
Without Rosario and Soler carrying them, the core is not good enough and they showed that by their inability to move past the division series since the carry.
@TradeAcuna: Injury trouble to key starters in a couple of small sample size Division Playoffs makes their “core not good enough”? Team building isn’t something you grasp very well.
People need to understand that the playoffs is a new season and it’s about momentum and luck. The Dodgers could have been knocked out if the Padres kept up the pressure, but unfortunately for them, the Dodgers were able to shake off the cobwebs before the series ended and really build up that momentum.
The Braves lost twice to the Phillies. The Phillies lost to the Mets. This doesn’t automatically mean the Mets are better than the Phils. It means they played better in 1 series. That’s my point. Do not count out the Braves with all due respect to the Mets and Phillies. Anyone of those teams could finish on top. I said the same thing last year.
They aren’t healthy
Gil for one year of Tucker? Same as King for one year of Soto. Hefty price to pay!!
That being said, Tucker as a player……he may be more valuable than Soto to the Yankees. He’s not the same hitter as Soto…..but with the short porch, he’ll swat 35 dongs, is a GG caliber fielder and can steal bases. Also makes the Astros weaker.
Luciano & Fitz as hot corner options? Not seeing it.
Nick must be a Giants fan.
Squint harder 😉 Seriously it is hard to see the Giants matching up or even caring much about 1 year of Tucker. If he was open to an extension all bets are off, but is that likely? Probably just kicking the tires, but it doesn’t hurt to talk.
Phillies should be in on Tucker!!!
Here are ideas on what I would do as the Phils:
Release Taijuan Walker.
Trade Bohm, Crawford, 1-2 other prospects and cash to Astros for Kyle Tucker.
Sign Jose Iglesias and put him at third. Or can play at second to spell Stott. Utility depth and solid offense and defense in 2024.
Resign Jeff Hoffman as reliever as long as you don’t know there’s an injury. 5y/60mil.
Sign one of the Japanese starters or a bounce back 1 yr SP flyer.
Don’t forget to release Taijuan Walker.
I like Bohm, but I’d sign up for all of this.
I’m not a Yankees fan, but if they did add Tucker after getting Friedman, then they are a very legit threat to take the American League. The Astros would lose a step, and the American League would be theirs for the taking. Even more so if the Astros don’t get Bregman.
If Alex Bregman leaves I hope Houston goes into rebuild mode. I’m honestly tired of hearing about them.
imo some posters are underrating tucker he’s an truly elite player 4.7 bwar in half a season
He’d be awesome for the Giants but I just don’t see them matching up since I’d assume Eldridge is untouchable and their other prospects are meh at best.
It’s hard to wrap my mind around this. One year rental to a contender makes sense, but why would the Giants enter the chat? And if they were never in on Soto at all, are they going to offer Tucker a 400m-500m$ extension? Could see the Yankees doing it though.
I think they didn’t enter Soto because they knew nobody was beating Cohen for Soto. I don’t think they’d trade for Tucker unless they really thought they could extend him as like you said they’re at best an outside shot at a WC
It can’t be stated enough that in a lot ways acquiring Tucker could be better than resigning Soto. He’s a true 5 tool player. The only problem I have is giving up a big load for him without any guarantee of an extension. I’d happily give up Gil and a couple of lesser prospects, but can’t do the full load out again like we did for Soto and possibly get nothing ultimately in return.
I was called crazy by non- NYY fans for leading with Gil yesterday, but now that seems to be Astros preferred Yankee headliner. He has 4 years of control, which is nothing to sneeze at.
I would probably opt for the Cubs offer if it is Shaw, Brown and more as I think Shaw is a Trout/Pedroia hybrid, also with significant cheap control and Brown has shown to have a MLB ready fastball. Wicks also has shown an upside ceiling of a crafty no. 3 with a decent K rate no. 5 floor. His season was a bit wonky due to injury but he was lights out in select starts.
Again though and also predicted through last year’s Soto rental lens, not a ton of interest in Tucker. It looks like only 4-6 teams, maybe less with sincere intent. Not many front offices like the idea of paying both cheap control now and massive money later.
The whole point of the Astros trading Tucker and Valdez is to have the money to resign Bregman. So, Bohm shouldn’t even enter in to this trade conversation. Besides, Phils’ manager Rob Thomson recently met with Bohm and told him the Phils were not marketing him, but other teams had inquired, which is why the media seized the opportunity to distort the reality of the situation. It’s interesting that Bohm is making $8 million with stats significantly better than Bregman who last made $30.5 million a year. Considering the Astro’s plan to resign Bregman and are looking for an impact bat and top prospects, I suggest the following: The Astros trade Tucker and Valdez to the Phils for DH Kyle Schwarber, infielder/outfielder Kody Clemens and top pitching prospect Mick Abel. From the Phils’ perspective, Schwarber has to be a part of this trade because he is expendable as a replaceable pending free agent after 2025, and to equalize the salaries somewhat. The Astros have a storied history with Roger Clemens who won one of his Cy Young Awards with the team, and adding his son would be well received, especially since the younger Clemens is talented but still relatively inexperienced. Of course, the Phils have a surplus of tradable talent, and many other combinations that include Schwarber would probably work for the Astros.
I would love to move Schwarber in a deal for Tucker but Clemens and Able have very limited trade value. And Schwarber only has 1 year of control and cost more than Tucker and is a DH only. So while Phillies would do this deal, Astros surely wouldn’t and I’m a Phillies fan.
Did you hit your head recently?
The Phillies need to extend Schwarber. I can’t even imagine that team without him in the lineup.
Schwarber will be 32 this year. Last year was the best year he’s ever had. He is very unlikely to produce another year let alone additional years at his 2024 level. I’m not against keeping him for 2025 but there’s no need to extend an aging slugger at $20+ million per year if we can get younger with Tucker. Schwarber gives you no defensive value and as our stars begin to age, they will need to spend more time at DH.
heels, If the Phils fail to win the world series in 2025 but then make offers to extend Schwarber, Realmuto, and/or Suarez, which of these players do you think will either 1) try to frisk the Phils for more money or 2) jump ship and go to a higher bidder? Do you think any of these guys will remain loyal to a team that can’t get the job done, especially if they’re being offered more money to play elsewhere? In my humble opinion, Schwarber is not A problem for the Phils. He is THE problem. He’s paid $20 million a year to bat 4 or 5 times a game – and always as the leadoff hitter who is the only player that gets to tee off on the first center- cut fast ball each and every game. Besides batting, he can’t play any defensive position reliably, he slows the Phils potential running game to a halt when he’s on base, and he fails more in clutch situations than he succeeds. But most importantly, his monopolizing the DH spot deprives the Phils of making better use of its hitting strengths. Do you think the Phils are getting the most out of their DH position with Schwarber who always has a mediocre batting average and league-leading number of strike outs, or would they do better with a DH-by-committee (Harper, Turner, Realmuto, Castellanos, Bohm, Sosa, etc. – taking turns DHing and getting a day’s rest from fielding duties once a week)? Many players play tired and don’t like missing even single games because of the potential of their timing being thrown off. Being able to hit every day but still have a day off from playing the field once a week would obviate such a scenario. So, ask yourself if the Phils would be better off with Kyle Tucker hitting every day and playing an outfield position or Kyle Schwarber continuing as the Phils’ one and only DH?
Phillies would be better with Schwarber at DH and Tucker in RF.
Castellanos can be Marsh’s RH platoon in LF and the Phillies need to find a CF rental unless they think Crawford is ready.
heels,
1) Give Castellanos the respect he deserves as a true star. He’s not a platoon player.
2) The Phils would do better with a DH-by-committee than with Schwarber as their only DH.
3) The Phils could solve a lot of their problems by trading with the Diamondbacks for center fielder Jake McCarthy. This is in addition to anything else they do.
kroz, Schwarber is very lucky. 1) He has convinced his manager that he is the team’s best option at leadoff, even though the Phils have several players who would help the team more atop the lineup. Harper would actually be the best candidate but, fragile egos being what they are, he might balk at giving up the #3 spot in the lineup to lead off. As the leadoff hitter, Schwarber is the only player on the team to sit back on the first center-cut fastball of each game. That’s why he has as many leadoff homers as he does. 2) As the Phils’ exclusive DH, he gets to bat 4 or 5 times a game and spend the rest of his time taking batting practice in a batting cage below the dugout, with a hitting instructor and video library of opposing pitchers near by. 3) He seems to be very popular with players and umpires, and video replays have clearly shown many of his walks were really 3-2 strikeouts. 4) His vast media presence has made him popular with many fans who know more about Wawa hoagies than they do about baseball. So, his fan appeal is a reason the Phils might be reluctant to trade him. Like I said, Schwarber is very lucky.
I completely agree but his value will never be higher to the Phils. Ideally we flip Schwarber and Casty for prospects and go Al out for Tucker and then sign a Teoscar for LF and imo we are a much better team and it will cost about as much as we are paying Casty and Schwarber now but we extend our title contention window by getting younger and a true MVP Candidate in Tucker. Tucker and Harper would be our Soto and Judge.
kroz, I wouldn’t trade Castellanos. He carried the Phils offensively for much of the second half of 2024, and played very good defense. RF for the Phils right now is a set position, or at least a position that could be easily flipped to LF or DH. If the Phils acquire Tucker, he’d probably play RF and Castellanos would move to LF. Marsh and Rojas will not be enough to carry the Phils in any of the outfield positions. If the Phils were smart, they’d make the Tucker trade and, at the same time, trade with the Diamondbacks for center fielder Jake McCarthy who could become the closest thing to Shane Victorino the Phils have had in center field since Victorino left. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. And right now, Castellanos is an asset rather than a liability. If you’re looking to flip players, I’d consider flipping Realmuto whose production has steadily decreased and Suarez who is also a free agent after 2025. Rafael Marchan is ready for prime time as the Phils’ next catcher and Valdez would easily replace Suarez.
Bohm ($8.5M in 2025 with 2 years of control), Marsh ($3.5M in 2025 with 3 years of control) and two pitching prospects such as Seth Johnson (AAA) and Jean Cabrera (AA) would be my opening offer to Houston. If they want Crawford instead of Marsh, I’d do it but prefer to keep Crawford. I think either of these deals benefit both teams as currently constructed.
For Astros it fills 3B and gives them a GG outfielder to replace Tucker who is also a left handed stick. And gives Houston some pitching depth which their farm system is light on.
For Phils you get a potential MVP candidate who plays good defense and crucial protection for Harper. Tucker is also young enough to extend the Phils contention window by a couple of years.
Tucker would be an excellent addition. Subtracting from the lineup to do it defeats the purpose.
Houston is confused. Until they get their head straight I don’t think any deal is happening.
Tucker is better than any position player on our team and will be moving forward. I’d love to get him without subtracting from the lineup but I think that’s impossible as Houston also wants to compete next year. They aren’t in a rebuild mode. And after we get Tucker we need to extend him. After Soto’s contract, Tucker will get between $450M-$600M. So trading away top prospects like Painter, Crawford and Miller would not be ideal since they can help offset the financial cost of extending Tucker.
kroz, The Astros plan to stay competitive. They’ll need to replace Tucker with another bat. They can’t trade him for just
prospects. Schwarber would be ideal for their needs considering their current and expected lineup. Once again, they’re only trading Tucker and Valdez to save money to resign Bregman.
heels, If the Phils traded Schwarber to the Astros for Tucker, the Phils would not be subtracting from their lineup. They would go to a DH-by-committee and the likes of Harper, Turner, Castellanos, Realmuto, Sosa and Bohm would take turns DHing. This would be replacing Schwarber in the aggregate. What’s more, Tucker would breathe new life into the Phils. If the Phils could add Tucker and Valdez, trade with the Diamondbacks for center fielder Jake McCarthy, and pick up a legitimate closer, they would have to be considered contenders for both the NL East crown and world series. If the Phils don’t make these or similar improvements, they may be eating the Mets and Braves dust for much of the 2025 season. The Phils just acquired closer Jordan Romano who missed most of 2024 with an elbow injury but pitched well as a closer in 2022-2023. They got him for a good price which should allow them to add another closer. This would be smart considering Romano’s recent injury and its seriousness. Speaking of injury, one has to wonder if Tucker is 100% health-wise. Any lingering health issues could be a reason the Astros seem willing to trade him.
kroz, Never say never. Schwarber, Realmuto and Suarez are free agents after the 2025 season and, with Walker, are the most expendable players the Phils have. Schwarber is limited in what he brings to the Phils. He was ranked the absolute worst defensive outfielder in the majors in 2023, he strikes out more than 99% of the players in baseball, and his hitting has entered a state of confusion where his quest to never bat .191 again in a season as he did in 2023 is turning him into more of a singles than home run hitter. He walks a lot, but replays have consistently shown many of his walks were really 3-2 strikeouts the ump missed or forgave. Tucker and Valdez’s salaries together exceed the salaries of the players I’ve proposed in the trade and, just like Schwarber, Valdez is a free agent after 2025. The trade I’ve proposed clearly benefits both teams.
Marco Luciano….seriously, Nick?
Yanks gonna keep trading for 1 yr of a superstar every offseason until they run out of prospects. Or superstars
@jogn It almost seems like there’s a “Draft” every year and they replenish prospects by that means.
Shocking that the Astros are considering trading Tucker. Might as well do a full rebuild if Bregman potentially gone, especially since they have the worst ranked farm system in the game.
Yet their AAAteam won the National Championship last year.
And? Minor league championships are pretty much meaningless. They have one prospect ranked in the Top 100 and have the 30th ranked farm system.
It’s the collateral damage from Soto’s mega-deal. The Astros realize if Soto got $765M, then Tucker is in line for a $400M-$450M deal, and that’s too rich for their blood. It isn’t shocking that they want to get the max return for an asset they’re sure to lose.
Yes, it is shocking that a team in a top 4 market, has been dominant the last decade, and has only the 10th ranked payroll can’t afford to lock up one of their best players “just because.” This is comparable to Boston trading Mookie. It didn’t make sense then and it doesn’t make sense for the Astros now. And I hate the Astros.
First you were shocked that they were willing to move Tucker, then shocked that a team in a market like Houston wouldn’t want to pay him a huge salary. You seem easily shocked.
The reasons they’re willing to trade him are understandable. It’s no different than San Diego, the second largest city in California, moving Soto for similar reasons.
This is how baseball works, and has for awhile. If you’re shocked then you must not have been following the game for very long.
Love to get Tucker, I’d consider Gil for him and maybe Presley? I’m not sure how Gil and Tucker stack up in trade value. This would be a genuine game changer, especially if they can just extend him when (if) they get him.
Plan B of my dreams involves
A high end reliever (like the guy in STL)
A couple minor league guys who could pull a cashman special: a reliever he turns into gold
Yandy Diaz or Bellinger at 1B (Walker is QO tagged and would really deplete the Yankees ability to get international targets, the best chance they have at getting a young superstar is internatoonal signing since they draft so low every year)
A game changer in either Bergman or Tucker.
I’d like a David Robertson Reunion (Again)
Moves to make! Go Cash go!
Here’s a question…….
Stros ideally want MLB ready corner infielders. Would you introduce JAZZ into the convo if you’re Cashman? He’s not a FA till 2027 on a cheap deal.
Me personally, I like to build through the rotation so I’d prefer to surrender Jazz over Gil. YES, I know that creates another hole in the IF. Caleb Durbin or Waldo can play 2B. They’re hot on Walker for 1B so that leaves 3B to worry about.
Thoughts?
I wouldn’t trade Jazz. Not only did I like his play, but I liked his energy.
I’m sure it’s been asked, but… why would the Astros do this? They won the division fairly easily last year…seems like their window is still open.
Because, based on Soto’s deal, they know they can’t afford Tucker when he reaches free-agency. They’re trying to get max value for him while they can.
Looks like Tucker is getting traded soon.
If he’s traded to the Yankees I’m worried it’s a Trojan horse. They either know something about his leg that nobody else does or about his contract situation that nobody else does. I don’t trust the Astro’s. They are picky with who they pay but they shell out the money it’s the right player. What are you up to Houston?!?
after seeing what Soto got, plenty of teams that have a Tucker like player on their roster are probably looking at a contract beyond their comfort level so like the Padres, get something for him.
Not many agree with me but I honestly feel like that is the exact reason to reset the payroll this year. I feel like a good GM would look at the current roster and know it’s not a complete team and make some hard decisions. Trade Cole, Stroman, Rodon now because you can get a legit package for each of them with the prices of free agents. Cole has maybe another year or two before his elbow pops and he is damaged goods. Why would we expect Rodon to get better after 2 down years and an obvious worsening situation with Rodon and the media/fans.
But they didn’t do that. Going the exact opposite way actually.
@Yanks4life22
Aren’t trades dependent upon a health evaluation?
Maybe. A physical is a lot different than seeing the daily wear and tear on a player though no? Maybe they use and abuse Tucker but put the kid gloves on with Alvarez and Altuve. That leg injury last year was very strange. I think he actually had a fracture that someone misdiagnosed? Still never really got the entire story.
And I just don’t trust the Astro’s lol.
@Yanks4life22
Wouldn’t be surprised. He’s probably still injured and they’re hoping the Yankees take him.
“…they shell out the money it’s the right player.”
Not really. They let Springer walk, and it looks like Bregman will as well. Altuve is the only guy they really spent on, and Altuve really wanted to stay.
They signed Bregman to an extension already this is his second go around. And they got peak Bregman in those years.
Letting Springer go turned out to be the right move he has been a shell of himself since he left Houston.
Lettinf Correa go has been the right move too.
Same with Correa.
Bregman’s first deal was when he was still under team control. They bought out 3 arb years and only 2 FA years. Not really relevant to Tucker, who will be a FA next season.
Whether it was the right decision or not to let Springer walk is irrelevant. Neither the Astros nor the Jays had a crystal ball. The point is, they let him walk when he was considered to have more value than now.
Same with Correa. And they had the same medicals that the Giants and Met’s had. He is completely incomparable to Tucker.
If you think they are willing to spend big, meaning to out-bid other teams for one of their FAs, name one. When have they ever done that?
Only problem is the Astros farm has seen a lot of tumbleweeds…. It’s the lowest ranked farm system at number 30.
sorry but soto’s deal wasn’t record breaking. It was basically the same as Trouts and ARods far surpassed it.
Tucker is great, but does the team really want to trade multiple prospects for one guaranteed year. I’d want a window to negotiate an extension, which they won’t give.
I don’t want another rental in the Bronx and extending Tucker would be expensive- like 1 year/$17.5M and then at least 8 years/$200M and likely closer to 10 years/$325M…. which, I am not sure he will be worth in the long run.
5 tool player, TTO, that’s a player want to extend. And I actually think you’re undervaluing him.
There’s some hints of regression in his numbers…
Hard to evaluate when he had an injury this past season which kept him not at 100%.
Which numbers?
10/$325 is way light. Tucker will be viewed as 67-75% of Soto’s value. He’ll command a $400M+ contract. That’s why the Astros’ are shopping him.
Cubs need Tucker, would be perfect in that lineup
I could write articles and be a “mlb insider” they literally every year repeat the same teams interested and in discussions with every single top free agent on the market. It’s so ridiculously predictable and lazy reporting.
I’d trade Suzuki, Parades, Assad and Wicks/Brown RIGHT NOW for Tucker.
Don’t do it Jed. Trading at least 2 of your top 10 prospects is not worth 1 year of Kyle Tucker. With little chance of an extension. I don’t think they want to pay a 28 year old 300 mil dollars. Possibly more.
Shaw doesn’t have the arm strength for 3B.Meanwhile, Cubs won’t get Tucker because they know he’s just a rental and no way Ricketts signs off on an extension that would likely approach 400M for Tucker.
Shaw’s natural position is SS. So he has plenty of arm strength. He would play 2B not 3B anyway. Yeah. Papa Joe Ricketts isn’t letting whoever thr gm is, overpay Tucker at 350+ mil for 10 or more years. Especially when he’s not he’s a free agent he’ll be 29. January of 2026 to be exact. I would never give that much to a near 30 year old. Good luck Yankees with Max Fried. Massive Overpay for him. Way too many years.
Parades+ bellinger+ wicks + thompson for tucker+ pressly would be interesting. Astros end up net positive money wise and plug bregman,tucker and pressly. Cubs get the highest upside and guaranteed middle of the order bat tho.
Idk why the Astros wanna make themselves worse, but whatever, go ahead Houston! Their owner must’ve bonked his head after that 2023 season or something…Dang.
The Cubs aren’t going to trade for Tucker. They’re trying to cut payroll. If they do make a trade for Tucker they will not resign him. The Cubs under this ownership will never make a deal that would keep Tucker in Chicago with how much it will cost. If they are truly rebuilding this trade makes 0 sense. If they are putting on a mask for a season to try and lure fans to the stadium for 1 year, this may make sense.
Giving up controllable talent for a player that they’ll only have for 1 year when they are nowhere near contention makes no sense. May as well just DFA all the guys they would trade. They’ll be in the same place for the 2026 season.
IMHO this has no legs. Why would the Astros trade away Kyle Tucker when they can have him for one year at $17 million and a draft pick after he declines a qualifying offer? It would have to be something significant, probably beyond what most teams would be willing to give up. I do agree though that he is most likely gone after next year. I can’t see the Astros giving him $500 million which is probably going to be the asking price.
Because they know they have no chance to re-sign him when he reaches free-agency. If they can get more for him now, than what the QO would provide, they’d probably do it,
That’s my point, they can’t get an even exchange now. When you have a player of Kyle Tucker’s caliber and your paying him less than 17 million, it’s a no-brainer. You take that gladly. And the reason a lot of teams want to trade for him because it’s a no-brainer that they also want Kyle Tucker one year at 17 mil. Of course the Astros will listen to offers, but nobody except for maybe the Mets are stupid enough to give up the future for him
And obviously the Mets aren’t doing it after signing Soto
No. You were saying they should keep him for one more season. But that way all they get is the QO compensation.
I’m saying it has legs because, if they trade him for more than they’ll get from the QO, they’ll maximize the return.
Seems illogical to trade Tucker at this point. Bid Bregman adieu. Brice Matthews is the heir to 3B and could be up late ‘25. There are affordable and sensible options for 3B currently on the market and in-house. The team has plenty (odd to admit considering the plethora of injuries league-wide) of starting pitching options. Stop the “Houston has a weak farm system” BS and continue business as they have the last TEN years. Geez
Soto’s deal elevated the expectations for what Tucker can get in free-agency to a level that the Astros’ don’t play in. They’re looking to get max value for him while they can.
Phillies should trade for Tucker. They have prospects they can deal without giving up Painter.