The Yankees are still on the lookout for a new outfielder with Astros slugger Kyle Tucker getting traded to the Cubs.
In exchange for Tucker, Chicago is sending infielder Isaac Paredes, right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski, and third base prospect Cam Smith to Houston.
New York had serious interest in Tucker after the Astros said they were open to trade talks ahead of the outfielder’s walk season in Houston.
General manager Brian Cashman confirmed later on Monday that the Yankees were involved in talks with Houston and was glad the right fielder was off to the NL.
“We certainly had many conversations with the Astros, I’ve got a great working relationship with [Houston GM] Dana Brown,” Cashman said. “… At the end of the day, I’m glad that Mr. Tucker is not in the American League East or American League at all. But it’s a big get for the Chicago Cubs, that’s all I can tell you.
“But we had many conversations with Houston, as well as any other team that’s got quality talent in the marketplace to talk about.”
As well as the Yanks and Cubs, reports indicated the Giants, and Phillies as potential suitors, with Chicago seen as the team the Astros had targeted as a likely match.
Tucker would have been a strong defensive fit for left field at Yankee Stadium — he won the Gold Glove in 2022 — and the offensive prowess from the left side the Yankees could use.
From 2021 to 2024, Tucker has slashed .280/.362/.527 with 112 home runs, 115 doubles, 360 RBI, and 307 runs scored. Aside from three All-Star selections and a Gold Glove, he won the Silver Slugger in 2023, when he hit .284 while smashing 29 home runs and driving in a career-high 112. He was also fifth in MVP voting that season.
A fractured shin cost Tucker a lot of time in 2024, but he still had a great season, hitting .289/.408/.585 (.993 OPS) with 23 homers in 78 games.
With Tucker off the board, the Yanks will have to decide how to handle their outfield situation.
Aaron Judge is best served in right field, while Jasson Dominguez, if he were to be given a starting job, should be moved back to his natural position in center field. That still leaves left field open. And while the Yanks have Trent Grisham on the roster, the pursuit of Tucker clearly shows they are looking for more offense from their third starting outfielder — especially with Juan Soto signing with the Mets.
Cody Bellinger of the Cubs remains an option for the Yanks, but they would have to execute a trade to bring the former NL MVP to the Bronx.
A free agent option is Anthony Santander, who had a career year with the Orioles in 2024 when he hit 44 home runs and drove in 102 — both career-highs.
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