Oct 2, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker (30) reacts after striking out against the Detroit Tigers to end the fifth inning of game two of the Wildcard round for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

mlb

MLB Trade Rumors: Yankees eye Kyle Tucker, Clarke Schmidt on the trade block

MLB Trade Rumors: Schmidt, Tucker on trade block

The New York Yankees made headlines by signing former Atlanta Braves pitcher Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million deal. The contract, now the largest for a left-handed pitcher in MLB history, signals the Yankees’ intent to strengthen their pitching rotation.

After missing out on re-signing Juan Soto, Yankees GM Brian Cashman moved quickly to bolster the team. With Fried joining a rotation that includes Gerrit Cole, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil, Marcus Stroman, and Clarke Schmidt, the Yankees now boast one of the best rotations in baseball. However, this depth creates a surplus, and trade rumors are already swirling.

Clarke Schmidt’s potential trade value

MLB insider Mark Feinsand reported that Clarke Schmidt could be on the trade block. The Yankees might use their pitching depth to address gaps in their roster. Schmidt, who had a solid season with a 5-5 record, 2.85 ERA, and 93 strikeouts over 85.1 innings, is a valuable trade asset. Given the market demand for starting pitchers, Schmidt could attract significant interest.

Yankees could target hitters to replace key free agents

With notable departures like Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo, Gleyber Torres, and Anthony Rizzo, the Yankees have clear lineup gaps. Packaging Schmidt with another pitcher could help secure a high-impact hitter or multiple role players. Names like Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker have been linked to the Yankees as potential trade targets.

"It makes sense we'd be asked about [Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki], but both of those guys are pretty key to how we're good."

– Cubs President of Baseball Ops Jed Hoyer on the trade rumors surrounding a few cornerstone players#MLBNHotStove | @SageUSAmerica pic.twitter.com/xo48rppRyH
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 11, 2024

Kyle Tucker, under contract with the Houston Astros for one more arbitration-eligible season, is an intriguing option. According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the Yankees and Chicago Cubs have both expressed interest in Tucker. The Astros, however, seem content to let Tucker play out his contract unless they receive a compelling trade offer.

Astros’ stance on Kyle Tucker and trade dynamics

Astros GM Dana Brown stated the team would “listen on anybody” but emphasized that any trade must align with their goal of remaining competitive. “We will not make any trades that don’t make sense in terms of winning the division, getting back to the postseason,” Brown explained.

If Kyle Tucker gets traded, the last 4 years of Astros departures are going to be HILARIOUS

“We can’t pay George because we need to pay Correa”

“We can’t pay Correa because we need to pay Bregman”

“We can’t pay Bregman because we need to pay Tucker”

Trades Tucker*
— Jon B (@jonathanbarrow_) December 11, 2024

Despite being sidelined for part of the 2024 season with a fractured shin, Tucker earned his third All-Star nod, hitting .289 with 23 home runs and 49 RBIs in just 78 games. His efficiency as a home-run hitter—one every 14.7 plate appearances—makes him a valuable asset.

Phillies linked to Patrick Sandoval as a long-term rotation option

The Phillies have also entered the rumor mill, expressing interest in free-agent pitcher Patrick Sandoval, who was recently non-tendered by the Angels. Sandoval underwent Tommy John surgery and is unlikely to pitch in 2025, but his long-term potential remains high. A backloaded two-year deal, similar to Tyler Mahle’s contract with the Rangers, could appeal to the Phillies as they plan for future seasons.

With multiple teams exploring both trades and free-agent signings, this MLB offseason promises plenty of action as clubs like the Yankees, Astros, and Phillies look to build competitive rosters for 2025 and beyond.

Image: Imagn Images

Kyle Tucker

MLB trade

MLB trade rumor

Schmidt

Trade rumors

Natasha Bose

I write about sports because, well, it brings in the big bucks! I’m not some lifelong analyst or stats guru, truth being told, you’ve probably never heard of me!—I just know how to research, write, and make things sound good. That’s the job!
Got into sports media the same way most people do: by (fortunate) accident. Started with SEO writing, took on a few sports gigs, and now here we are! I cover games, trades, player drama—whatever needs words.
Favorite part? The chaos. One day it’s a blockbuster trade, the next it’s a goat running onto the field. Never boring.
Message to readers: If you want deep analysis, there are people for that. If you want sharp, no-BS writing that actually makes sense, stick around.