One year after acquiring outfielder Juan Soto via trade, the New York Yankees have watched him leave the Bronx to sign with the New York Mets on a historic $765 million deal. Could general manager Brian Cashman replace Soto with Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker?
The Astros have been getting trade inquiries on Tucker. Although general manager Dana Brown is comfortable holding onto the left-handed slugger during his contract year in 2025, the club reportedly is open-minded to the idea of dealing him.
If these rumors gain any kind of steam, Jon Heyman of the New York Post named the Yankees and Chicago Cubs as potential trade destinations for the 27-year-old. Tucker only suited up for 78 games in 2024 but posted a .993 OPS with 23 home runs and 49 RBI through 339 plate appearances. He's put together four straight seasons of at least 20 homers for the Astros.
SI.com's Grant Young said Tucker "could be the perfect Juan Soto replacement," but there are two potential hurdles the Yankees will eventually have to deal with.
One is Tucker's position. His primary position is right field, which he's played exclusively since 2022. With Soto heading to Queens, the Yankees' current plan is to move Aaron Judge back to right field after primarily playing center field in recent years.
Another potential issue is Tucker's contract situation. Spotrac estimates he'll earn $16.7 million in 2025, which will be his final year before reaching free agency. While he won't be looking for as much money as Soto, his current market value is seven years and $195 million. The Bombers should be mindful of whatever package they offer Houston in case it ends up being another one-season-and-done scenario.
