Kyle Tucker Trade Rumors: Yankees' Luis Gil Targeted by Astros Amid Cubs Buzz

The Houston Astros are discussing trading Kyle Tucker to the New York Yankees in exchange for AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil, according to MLB insider Jon Heyman.

The Astros are also talking over a potential Tucker trade with the Chicago Cubs that would involve Seiya Suzuki and Isaac Paredes, per Heyman.

Tucker has one year left under arbitration on his expiring contract. He missed three months with a shin injury last season but still recorded 23 home runs and 49 RBI in 78 games for the Astros. Spotrac projects him to receive $16.7 million next season.

Gil meanwhile became the first Yankees player since Aaron Judge to earn a ROY nod by recording a 15-7 record and 3.50 ERA in 29 starts. He allowed 104 hits and 77 walks while striking out 171 batters through 151 2/3 innings.

He similarly has one year remaining under arbitration and is estimated to earn $800,000 next season by Spotrac.

Astros general manager Dana Brown has previously indicated that the Astros would only trade Bregman if it made them more competitive going forward. The team could be considering securing an extension for Gil as part of their future plans.

The Astros have a few questions to answer regarding their rotation after veteran starter Justin Verlander hit free agency following the 2024 season.

Yusei Kikuchi, who briefly joined the Astros as a mid-season rental in 2024, is also headed out of Houston after signing with the Los Angeles Angels in free agency.

The Astros could be set to start the season without Lance McCullers Jr., who has not yet returned from right flexor tendon surgery in summer of 2023, as well as Cristian Javier, who underwent right elbow surgery in June.

The Yankees meanwhile have an apparent surplus of starting pitchers after adding Max Fried in free agency.

With Gerrit Cole and Fried at the top of the rotation, the Yankees currently hold Gil alongside Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, Nestor Cortes and Marcus Stroman on a list of seven potential starters.

Verlander could still return to the Astros, with whom Brown has confirmed he is having talks. However, he is turning 42 in February, so Houston could decide to target young pitching talent this offseason regardless of his free agency decision.