DALLAS — Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki and nook infielder Isaac Paredes are two gamers the Houston Astros are concentrating on in a potential commerce for proper fielder Kyle Tucker, sources briefed on the discussions advised The Athletic on Wednesday.
Talks are fluid, and the groups have exchanged quite a lot of names. Any Cubs bundle for Tucker, 27, possible would come with prospects as nicely. Third baseman Cam Smith, Chicago’s first-round choose in 2024, is one other participant in whom the Astros have an interest.
Seiya Suzuki registered 3.5 WAR for the Cubs in 2024, his third season with the group. (Kamil Krzaczynski / Imagn Images)
Suzuki may be out of attain for the Astros. A league supply mentioned that the Cubs are extremely unlikely to maneuver him, they usually seemingly favor to deal first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger in a separate commerce. But the Astros’ curiosity in Suzuki and Paredes alerts the group desires to stay aggressive even when it trades Tucker and loses free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, with whom they’re negotiating.
“Dana and I proceed to speak and we’re making each try,” Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, mentioned Wednesday, referring to Astros normal supervisor Dana Brown. “We know that Breggy performs actually, very well there with an excellent group of teammates and noteworthy historical past that few groups take pleasure in. We proceed to speak about it.”
The Astros might half with Tucker, who’s eligible without cost company on the finish of subsequent season, no matter what occurs with Bregman. In the wake of Juan Soto’s document $765 million take care of the New York Mets, Tucker figures to command a contract of at the very least $400 million to $500 million. Astros proprietor Jim Crane has persistently resisted signing gamers to monster offers, which is why Bregman may be the following Houston star to depart.
The New York Yankees and several other different golf equipment are also pursuing Tucker, a three-time All-Star and former Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner. The Yankees won’t desire a repeat of what occurred with Soto, for whom they gave up a serious bundle, then misplaced on the open market. But additionally they try to return to the World Series and — within the wake of signing free-agent left-hander Max Fried — presumably might embody American League Rookie of the Year winner Luis Gil in a bundle for Tucker, as first instructed by the New York Post’s Joel Sherman.
Paredes, projected to earn $6.9 million in arbitration and underneath membership management for 3 extra seasons, is a infamous pull hitter who could be an excellent match at Minute Maid Park. He might play third base if Bregman departs and first base if Bregman stays. The Astros made a robust bid for him eventually yr’s commerce deadline, however the Cubs acquired Paredes from the Tampa Bay Rays as a substitute.
The Astros presumably need Suzuki, who’s owed $38 million over the following two seasons, to exchange Tucker in proper discipline. Suzuki has a full no-trade clause, and his approval could be essential to finish any deal.
Tucker is projected to earn greater than $15 million in his ultimate yr of arbitration. According to Fangraphs, he has accrued 20.9 wins above alternative since changing into a full-time participant in 2020 — fourth amongst outfielders solely to Soto, Aaron Judge and Mookie Betts.
(Top photograph of Kyle Tucker: Nick Cammett / Diamond Images through Getty Images)
