Very happy. But this reminds me of the trade deadline. Ok, you made a move but that's not enough to win on 2025. Now you MUST trade Framber. This 2025 team is worse than it was before trading Tucker. You are wasting Framber's last season if you don't improve this team. Framber is the only asset left that can actually bring an impact OF. At least the only one that makes any sense to actually trade. This team does not have the budget to fill 4 holes (1b/3b, LF, CF, and RF) through Free agency. Just like the trade deadline the only way that Tucker deal works for 2025 is if more moves are made. Otherwise you punted on 2025.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5992938/2024/12/13/kyle-tucker-astros-cubs-trade-analysis/ Bregman remains a free agent and the Astros are still suitors for his services, but this trade may diminish the viability of a reunion. Houston has checked in with the St. Louis Cardinals about a possible Nolan Arenado trade, multiple league sources said, but it’s unclear whether Arenado would waive his no-trade clause to join the Astros. That Houston has even expressed interest in Arenado and the $74 million he is owed suggests it is at least willing to spend substantial money. The club may have no choice given its many needs. Brown has indicated the team needs a leverage reliever and starting pitcher in addition to fixing its infield. A left-handed hitting outfielder is needed now, too, with Tucker out of the fold.
Yeah this move was the easiest to make. Everything that follows this is going to determine 2025, and possibly even beyond that.
Honestly you could argue the 2019 Nationals, 2021 Braves, and 2023 Rangers were not good enough. Playoffs are a crapshoot. Just make it in and hope for the best. And there's enough talent, pitching especially to keep the Mariners, Angels, Rangers at home... and As wandering the wasteland.
NY Times/Athletic isn't going to be the most objective source of such matters... they have been hawking Tucker to Yankees the moment Soto left NYY.
