Now that the most coveted player of the off-season is off the market, let’s focus on the trade market. The Houston Astros are reportedly receiving trade interest in outfielder Kyle Tucker. Multiple sources familiar with the situation told The Athletic on Monday night that a potential bidding war for Tucker could be on the horizon. General manager Dana Brown did not directly confirm whether he has received calls about Tucker but did acknowledge that the team is open to discussions. 

Tucker, 26, has been a key figure in Houston’s success. Multiple sources familiar with the Astros’ plans told The Athletic that general manager Dana Brown is open to trading either outfielder Kyle Tucker or starting pitcher Framber Valdez. Both of whom are set to make more than $15 million during their final year of arbitration. With the Astros projected to be around $12 million under the first luxury tax threshold, it remains uncertain whether owner Jim Crane will approve exceeding it for a second consecutive season.

The Astros are considering trading Kyle Tucker

The team is still pursuing a reunion with Alex Bregman. At the same time, they’re keeping an open mind about other moves that could reshape the roster. This includes considering trade inquiries on some of their star players, as general manager Dana Brown revealed on Monday. When asked directly about right fielder Kyle Tucker and starting pitcher Framber Valdez, Brown was clear: “We’ll listen on anybody.” He also recalled saying that they won’t take anything off the table. Tucker and Valdez are both entering their final season under team control.

They are to hit free agency next winter. Tucker is projected to earn $15.8 million, while Valdez is expected to make $17.8 million in their final year of arbitration. These are big numbers for a team that exceeded the competitive balance tax threshold this season. They also have a projected 2025 payroll sitting just $13 million shy of the first luxury tax threshold. The possibility of moving one of them might become more appealing if the Astros have concerns about locking either player into a long-term deal beyond next season. When asked whether he believes the Astros could still contend in 2025 after trading one of Tucker or Valdez, Brown didn’t hesitate: “Yes, I think we could.” 

Jim Crane’s philosophy might be a hindrance to getting Bregman 

The Astros have made Alex Bregman a six-year offer worth around $156 million, a source told MLB.com this week. While that would be a club-record contract in terms of total value, Bregman is believed to be seeking a deal closer to $200 million. If that’s the case, would he turn down the offer? It would then potentially force the team to move on from the third baseman. Bergman has been a key figure in the Astros’ success over the past several seasons. 

With the Astros facing financial decisions regarding other players like Kyle Tucker and Framber Valdez, a large commitment to Bregman may not fit within their current payroll structure, especially if his asking price continues to rise. Astros owner Jim Crane made his stance clear last month, preferring not to hand out lengthy contract extensions to free agents worth hundreds of millions of dollars. This approach has indeed worked for the Astros, though. The team has continued to win despite losing key players like outfielder George Springer, pitcher Gerrit Cole, and shortstop Carlos Correa to free agency in recent years.

Under Crane’s ownership, the Astros have never offered more than five years to a free agent. Do you know the largest deal the squad has given? $151 million extension given to second baseman Jose Altuve in 2018. Despite this more conservative approach to contracts, the Astros have consistently operated with a top-five payroll. Just last season, they exceeded the Competitive Balance Tax threshold for the first time. Well, they may not go all-in on lengthy deals, but the crew is still committed to building a competitive, championship-caliber roster.