The Houston Astros have been a consistent roadblock in the New York Yankees’ ultimate World Series title pursuit. After ousting the Bombers off the 2022 ALCS, the Astros went on to secure a seventh consecutive postseason berth in 2023. While they failed to edge past the initial stages of playoffs, their roster is still good enough to contest once again in 2024.
Yet, the Astros could move a couple of players this off-season. A particular All-Star slugger who registered a strong offensive season in 2023 has been a part of trade rumors. Moreover, the slugger has been unusually linked to the Yankees, considering the latter’s cry for offensive help. Will the Astros extend a helping hand?
Yankees Named Strong Landing Spot For Astros OF Kyle Tucker!
Jason Dominguez, the New York Yankees center fielder and exceptional talent, met with an unfortunate injury scare this season. Just eight games past his much-anticipated debut, Dominguez tore his elbow UCL and subsequently opted for Tommy John surgery. The standard recovery timeline for a position player is 7-8 months, which slates the prospect’s return around July 2024. Thus, the Yanks need reinforcement in the center field. Eyeing the Bombers’ need for an outfield and offensive upgrade, Astros slugger Kyle Tucker has been linked to the former in fresh trade rumors. Tucker will hit arbitration in 2024 and is not a free agent until 2026. However, the Astros are yet to make up their mind on the future of Tucker in Houston.
If changes are enforced, Kyle Tucker might be allowed to enter free agency in 2024 by the Astros. Now, the two-time All-Star hitter makes sense for the Yankees. He is left-handed and is coming off back-to-back strong offensive seasons. He hit over 30 homers in 2021 and 20212 while securing 29 long hits in 2023. Not only that, Kyle has maintained a batting average of .250+ in the past three consecutive seasons. While the numbers are not staggering, the consistency speaks for itself. Also, Tucker’s RBI rate has been exceptional, a skill Yankee captain Aaron Judge adores. If a trade were to happen, the Bronx Bombers would have enough farm system depth to lure the Astros. Ultimately, the ball’s in the Astros court. They might not see it as an ideal exchange, considering how Tucker’s addition will boost the Yankee lineup, given the dynamics of the rivalry.
Yankee Insider Refuses To Buy Juan Soto’s Trade Rumors!
Padres’ financial constraints might force them to part with superstar slugger Juan Soto. If so happens, the New York Yankees have emerged as the top suitor. However, Jon Heyman of the New York Post refuses to take the bait. He says under no circumstances he expects the Padres to trade Soto during the off-season. Trading him now would be directly equivalent to throwing away the season.
Heyman feels the Padres will hold on to Juan Soto till the midseason trade deadline, to say the least. They will try to contest for the championship once again in 2024. If, by the deadline, the Padres stand lost, then Soto could be moved. But anytime before that is just wishful thinking at best. This means the Yankees might have to wait till August 2024 to accomplish the dream pursuit of Juan Soto.
