MLB Trade Rumors: "Bidding War" Could Be Coming for Astros' Kyle Tucker

The Houston Astros could be in for a massive overhaul this winter. While we're all watching what happens with longtime team leader Alex Bregman in free agency, we're also now hearing that superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker could be on his way out.

Tucker could be available for trade, and reports say that a "bidding war" could be coming. Chandler Rome in The Athletic writes:

The Houston Astros are receiving trade inquiries about outfielder Kyle Tucker, multiple people familiar with the discussions told The Athletic on Monday night, potentially precipitating a bidding war for one of baseball’s best young players.
General manager Dana Brown did not answer directly whether he has received calls from other teams but revealed that “we’ll listen on anybody” as the club confronts a crossroads.

MLB Insider Jon Morosi reported on Tuesday morning that the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs are two teams that are very interested in Tucker.

Kyle Tucker’s potential trade availability has created some buzz in the winter meetings lobby this evening.

Tucker had a higher OPS+ than Juan Soto in 2024 — but played in only half the number of games.@MLBNetwork https://t.co/XQElYJzhUU
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 9, 2024

Multiple sources told Rome that "Brown is open to dealing one of Tucker or starter Framber Valdez", as both players enter their final year of arbitration and are projected to earn more than $15 million. No extension is close with either player.

MLB Insider Jim Bowden on MLB Network Radio, projects that Tucker's next contract should be "at least $350, and could get up to $400 million." That's not something that's been in the Astros' wheelhouse to this point in franchise history.

“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.

“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."

Many feel that it would make no sense whatsoever to trade one of baseball's best young players in Tucker, who actually had a higher OPS than Juan Soto this past season at .993. Unfortunately, injuries cut his season short, and in just 78 games, he launched 23 homers to go with 49 RBIs and a lofty 181 OPS+.

But as Bowden says, "If he can make a trade like the Nationals made with Juan Soto... and get a huge prospect package back, he absolutely will move the player."

Houston is definitely a team to keep an eye on at this week's Winter Meetings.