The Phillies are among a quartet of teams that have checked in with the Houston Astros about the availability of star outfielder Kyle Tucker, according to Joel Sherman of The New York Post.
In the aftermath of losing Juan Soto to the crosstown rival Mets, Sherman says that the Yankees "are among the teams most seriously pursuing" Tucker, while adding that the Phillies have "at least inquired and tried to find a package that would work with the Astros." Sherman also mentions the San Francisco Giants and and Chicago Cubs as two other interested parties.
Of course, there will be more teams who check in with the Astros. A right shin contusion limited Tucker to just 78 games a year ago, but he still managed to hit 23 home runs, drive in 49 runs, draw 56 walks and post a 4.2 WAR, according to FanGraphs. He also previously won a Gold Glove Award in 2022 in right field, so this is one of the most well-rounded players that the game has to offer.
Teams that are interested in Kyle Tucker, according to @joelsherman1:
Giants
Phillies
Cubs
Yankees
“The Astros are prioritizing major league-ready corner infielders and starting pitching if they move Tucker.”pic.twitter.com/tqV02rI8i2
It's not yet clear if the Astros will pull the trigger on trading Tucker — who will turn 28 in January — before his contract season. But general manager Dana Brown has at least cracked the door open on the idea of listening in regards to Tucker and LHP Framber Valdez, who is also going to be a free agent next offseason.
“We’re not trying to aggressively move anybody out the door, but if someone wants to talk, that’s part of being at the Winter Meetings,” Brown said Monday, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic.
“Sometimes guys will think outside the box and say, ‘Hey would you guys do this guy or that guy.’ If it doesn’t make sense, we wouldn’t do it. It would really have to make sense. We’re a good team and we’re not motivated to move any of these guys.”
Tucker is the type of player you would consider giving up significant capital to acquire, although the Phillies or any other acquiring team would probably be hesitant to completely back the truck up knowing that Tucker will almost certainty test free agency next winter. The Excel Sports Management client seems likely to command at least $300 million in free agency next winter, and given what Soto just got, that's probably on the lower end of things. Would the Phillies be willing to set themselves up for a situation where the fanbase wants them to give a blank check to Tucker next offseason? Or are they fine trading for him and taking the risk that he walks in free agency next offseason? We shall see.
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From @AntSanPhilly https://t.co/bhoH60r7ij
