If they believe they can contend in 2025, regardless of what happens this year, they won't trade them. Crane has been fairly consistent on that front.
Jettisoning some "expensive to retain" vets this season and spending some money in the offseason is not the worst idea. I still say you give Tucker whatever he wants within reason if he has any interest in staying. He's a cornerstone.
They're going to get the best years out of Framber regardless (both in terms of production and health). He and Tucker are the only ones with true value, but they're also very much needed to contend in 2025. If they believe 2025 will be a carbon copy of 2024 and they need more than just them, then by all means... trade them (and explain to JV, Altuve, Yordan that they're maybe needing to punt on 2025 to possibly contend in 2028... where all three will be either pending FA's or gone).
Who else would you give up a stud prospect for on this roster right now? Obviously I'm presuming Yordan, Garcia, Hunter, Spencer, Altuve, Pena, and Diaz aren't on the table. Bregman/Pressly are pending FA's (won't fetch much). That leaves Montero and his remaining year... and LMJ and whatever is left of his elbow.
Anyone over the age of 32 not named Altuve? Checking the market don't hurt. I'd take 3 Potential prospects over 1 Stud at this point, depending on the player. What does Bregman get you?
If he’s healthy and hitting well at the deadline? From the Cubs: one of OF Kevin Alcantara, OF Owen Caissie, IF Matt Shaw, or IF James Triantos, plus an interesting arm outside of their top 15 prospects. From the Yankees: one of SS Roderick Arias or SS George Lombard Jr. plus 2 of their interesting lower level pitchers. From the Dodgers: one of SS Joendry Vargas, OF Josue De Paula, or C Thayron Loranzo, plus 1-2 of their fallen big bonus prospects like Jackson Ferris, Maddux Bruns, Noah Miller, Kendall George, or Jake Gelof
My guess is JV only approves LA or NY: Dodgers: C Diego Cartaya and P Peter Heubeck Yankees: SS George Lombard and CF Brando Mayea
