After losing Juan Soto to the Mets, the Yankees are “among the teams most seriously pursuing” a trade for Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker, reports Joel Sherman of The New York Post.
Sherman notes, however, that the Yanks perhaps aren’t the most “determined” suitor for Tucker, listing the Cubs, Giants, and Phillies as other teams who could swing a deal for the 27-year-old star.
Per Sherman, the Astros are seeking big league-ready corner infielders and starting pitching in a potential deal for Tucker.
The Astros, who are attempting to re-sign third baseman Alex Bregman, are also reportedly open to trading ace left-hander Framber Valdez, who — like Tucker — is set for free agency after the 2025 season.
While Houston is comfortable extending Bregman — perhaps on a deal worth close to $160 million — it’s unlikely they would spend what it takes to retain Tucker and/or Valdez once they reach free agency.
As far as what the Yankees could offer the Astros for Tucker, it’s probably not ideal that New York’s two best position player prospects — Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones — are outfielders, while the rest of their top 10 per MLB Pipeline is made up of pitchers.
It’s possible the Yankees could consider dealing Clarke Schmidt or Luis Gil in a deal for Tucker, but it would take a lot more than that to get a trade done.
Tucker has been an offensive force since his first full season in 2021.
In 525 games from 2021 to 2024, Tucker has slashed .280/.362/.527 with 112 home runs, 115 doubles, 360 RBI, and 307 runs scored.
Tucker missed a large chunk of the 2024 season because of a fractured shin, but had his best offensive season — hitting .289/.408/.585 (.993 OPS) with 23 homers in 78 games.
He is set to make roughly $17 million in 2025 during what is his final season of arbitration.
