4 potential trades Astros should consider for Tucker

Houston Astros All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker became the biggest name on the trade block after general manager Dana Brown said during the winter meetings that his club is prepared to "listen on anybody." Those remarks led to reports that the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, and Philadelphia Phillies spoke to the Astros about Tucker, who could be the top free agent available next offseason if he decides to hit the open market.

Houston has never handed out a contract larger than the six-year, $157.5-million pact Jose Altuve inked in March 2018. This is problematic because Tucker could seek a deal in the range of $300 million to $400 million or more as a prized free agent.

Here are four hypothetical trade packages that could make sense for the Astros, who are reportedly seeking MLB-ready corner infielders and starting pitching in a potential swap.

Yankees offer Gil, Rice, Jones

The Astros are reportedly fans of Gil, who was named AL Rookie of the Year after posting a 3.50 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP and 171 strikeouts over 151 2/3 innings (29 starts) in his age-26 campaign. He's got four years of club control remaining and won't be arbitration-eligible until 2026. Rice would fill Houston's need for a young first baseman with Jon Singleton currently projected to start in 2025. Jones is the Yankees' No. 2-ranked prospect and could be ready for the majors as early as next season. The 23-year-old outfielder profiles to bring a similar power-speed combo that has become Tucker's calling card, though there's sizeable concern with his high strikeout rate (37%) in the minors last season.

The Yankees have a Juan Soto-sized hole in right field. What better way to move on from losing a perennial MVP candidate than adding another. Tucker was actually on pace to eclipse Soto's 8.1 fWAR last season if the former didn't miss almost three months due to a fractured shin. Tucker is also a threat to steal 25-to-30 bases per year, he provides Gold Glove defense, and his powerful left-handed swing could be devastating for opponents with the short porch in right at Yankee Stadium.

Cubs offer Paredes, Suzuki, Smith

Suzuki and Paredes are reportedly targets since they would extend Houston's competitive window. Suzuki, who's under contract for two more years at a total cost of $38 million, is a solid replacement for Tucker, recording 21 home runs, 73 RBIs, 16 steals, and an .848 OPS over 132 games in 2024. Meanwhile, the 25-year-old Paredes could feast on the Crawford Boxes as an extreme pull hitter with plenty of pop. Smith, who was taken 14th overall in this year's draft, fills the need for a young third baseman if Alex Bregman decides to pick a new club in free agency.

The Cubs badly need a legitimate star. It feels like the franchise hasn't had one in nearly a decade. Tucker is exactly what Chicago needs. More importantly, the team clearly has the financial resources to re-sign the 27-year-old to the megadeal he will likely command.

Giants offer Schmitt, Wade, Whisenhunt

Schmitt was one of San Francisco's top prospects in 2023 and could be a long-term fixture at third for the Astros if Bregman bolts. The 25-year-old went deep six times with a .760 OPS across 40 games last season while finishing in the 83rd percentile in arm strength, per Baseball Savant. Wade has been rumored to be on the trade block and would be an instant upgrade over Singleton after amassing a 120 wRC+ over 252 contests between 2023 and '24. Whisenhunt is a solid MLB-ready left-handed pitching prospect to take the trade over the finish line.

The Giants are another organization hungry for star power. The narrative that great players don't want to call San Francisco home is changing after future Hall of Famer Buster Posey became the team's president of baseball operations. He's already convinced Matt Chapman to ink a long-term extension, landed Willy Adames in free agency, and is reportedly making a serious run at ace Corbin Burnes. A trade for Tucker would be huge to keep the momentum going.

Phillies offer Bohm, Castellanos, Abel

Bohm's name has been floated in trade rumors all offseason. His fit with the Astros makes sense due to the uncertainty surrounding Bregman. The 28-year-old slashed .280/.332/.448 with 15 homers and 97 RBIs in 2024 and is under salary control for two more years. Castellanos is another solid piece who could keep Houston in the conversation in the AL West. The two-time All-Star has a combined 52 home runs and .765 OPS in 324 games over the last two years. Abel is the Phillies' second-best pitching prospect. Andrew Painter isn't going anywhere, but the right-handed Abel should do the trick and is major-league ready.

The Phillies need to crank their World Series contention window open after regressing in the playoffs over the last two years following a trip to the 2022 Fall Classic. The core of Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, Aaron Nola, and Zack Wheeler are all on the wrong side of 30. Bringing in Tucker would add some much-needed youth, and it might not be for just one year since owner John Middleton isn't afraid to shell out top dollars for elite talent to battle the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets in a loaded division.