Exactly why they need to trade him. Just like Tucker, the market is longer and bigger than what the Astros would be willing to pay.
As it’s something that could very well go down within the next 48 hrs, here’s a hypothetical: Tucker to NYY for P Luis Gil, 1B Ben Rice, and SS George Lombard Jr. Framber to BAL for OF Heston Kerstad, IF Ramon Urias, and OF Dylan Beavers Resulting roster: 2B Altuve SS Pena DH Alvarez C Diaz RF Kerstad 3B Urias 1B Rice LF Dezenzo CF McCormick Bench: Dubon, Caratini, Singleton, Meyers Rotation: Brown, Gil, Blanco, Garcia, Arrighetti, McCullers Bullpen: Hader, Pressly, Abreu, Scott, Ort, Whitley, Dubin Those trades bring back young MLB ready talent with no salaries. That takes pressure off the idea of dumping Pressly (who it looks like probably doesn’t have the market or inclination to waive his NTC) or Caratini. The bench provides at least some veteran insurance against total busts from the young guys at 1B, RF, and LF. The Astros would have plenty of money to wait out the SP free agent market (or be aggressive if there’s a guy they really like) to add a 6th SP to ensure they’re in no way reliant on McCullers. Lombard and Beavers would be their top 2 prospects and elevate the farm from bottom of the barrel to just below average. Finally, these moves involve no long term financial commitments, so would allow Houston to be very active in the next 2-3 free agent markets (or aggressive with internal extensions) in order to stay in or get back to contention.
I read a story ( some NY paper or site- didn't really pay much attention) that said the Yankees are desperately trying to keep Gil out of any trade and keep insulting the Astros by offering packages of prospects outside of their top 30. An unnamed Astros source used the word "trash" to describe the Yankees offerings.
The Cubs are looking for a catcher. Reports a few days ago were they were closing in on a deal with Carson Kelly but no announcement of it getting done. Let's get this deal done by adding Caratini so they include Shaw Tucker, Caratini for Suzuki, Paredes, and Shaw.
Apparently Suzuki has a NTC. You think he'll waive it? Answer is yes because who wouldn't want to play for the Astros lol
Bellinger has taken over RF ( and Tucker will if traded there) relegating him to DH I read that does not thrill him.
Tucker and Pressly and/or Caratini for Paredes, Suzuki, and Shaw. It simply must get done. The only reasonable exception is Cam Smith subbed in for Shaw. Resign Bregman. Catcher and infield Diaz, Paredes, Altuve, Bregman, Pena Outfield. Suzuki in RF. Meyers is traded or optioned Chas, Leon, Dezenzo, and Whitcomb cover LF/CF LF and CF hit 7th and 8th in the lineup w/ Pena hitting 9th as 2nd leadoff hitter. Astros need to hope at least 1 of those 4 break out. If not, it must be Melton but they can't go into 2026 without at least 1 LF or CF having a productive and promising 2025.
Lineup I'm hoping for 1. Altuve 2B 2. Alvarez DH 3. Suzuki RF 4. Diaz C 5. Casas 1B (Framber trade) 6. Paredes 3B 7. Dezenzo LF 8. Shaw CF 9. Pena If I had to throw in Melton and Blughbaugh to get Shaw I would do it.
Shaw has never played the OF as a pro and a total of 25 games there ( and nearly half those were in LF) as a collegiate. You simply can't put that kind of pressure on a young player - starting CF on a contending team while also adjusting to MLB. I would still resign Bregman if possible and then start Shaw In Sugar Land. Making him everyday CF there is smart. Move Melton to RF for now. Then if none of Chas, Leon, or Meyers are playing well by mid- May, I would bring he or Melton up for their shot- optioning Meyers or Leon. This also has the added benefit of giving Shaw an additional year of control through 2031. My second option would be to trade Dubon and put Shaw into his spot, starting at CF, 3b, 2b, and SS each once every week - 10 days. The bottom line is ideally at least 1 of Shaw, Dezenzo, Whitcomb, Leon, or Melton get 250+ PAs and is at least promising while not over exposing or rushing any of them to limit the chance of busting.
Seems like Leon still flashes potential... but trying to make him play multiple positions has hurt his development. He just needs to stick one spot and excel at it then focus on his hitting.
It was way more than just that, but I agree that is part of it. Losing development time due to his defection, COVID, and fluke injuries ( and terrible timing of them) really ser him back about 3 years. He is really a 24 year old ball player in a 27 year old's body. Now AAA has nothing left for him and it looks like Click/Dusty were much higher on him than Brown/Espada but he needs a chance to see if he is really a MLB guy or AAAA guy.
I agree, but he also appears to have no value despite great AAA numbers and loud tools. I think scouts just don't like his CF defense and as a corner OF his projections don't pop.
A great compliment to the Tucker trade would be Framber to the Orioles for Kerstad, Mountcastle, and a good 2nd tier prospect. Then they’d have a good amount of money to go get a MoR SP. Astros roster after that: 2B Altuve 3B Paredes DH Alvarez C Diaz 1B Mountcastle RF Kerstad LF Dezenzo CF McCormick SS Pena Bench: Dubon, Caratini, Meyers, Singleton Rotation: Brown, Blanco, TBD, Arrighetti, Garcia, Wesneski/McCullers Bullpen: Hader, Abreu, Scott, Ort, Whitley, Sousa/Dubin/Montero, King
It would be a nice haul for the Stros all things considered. Tucker is one of my faves but we all know Crane isn't going to give a serious long contract to Kyle. Need to get it done
