"Kyle Tucker is a perfect replacement for Juan Soto" - MLB insider suggests Yankees may pursue Astros 3x All-Star after missing out on superstar

The New York Yankees could target Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker after missing out on Juan Soto, insider Ken Rosenthal suggested.

During an appearance on "Foul Territory" on Tuesday, Rosenthal discussed potential candidates the Yankees could explore to replace Soto, who joined the New York Mets, their crosstown rivals.

One such name was Tucker. Rosenthal said:

"He is a perfect replacement for Soto. He might not be the offensive player Soto is, but he’s a better baserunner, capable of stealing 30 bases, a much better defender, Gold Glove winner.”

However, Rosenthal warned that Tucker could be a one-and-done like Soto:

“But it’s the same situation as it was with Soto. You’re trading significant pieces for one year of Kyle Tucker, and then he might bolt on you.”

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Despite the warning, the Yankees need to find a suitable replacement for Soto, who bashed 41 home runs and drove in 109 runs while hitting .288 in 157 games. Soto bolted the Bronx for Queens, signing a massive 15-year, $765 million contract with the crosstown Mets.

Meanwhile, Tucker hit .289 with 23 homers and 49 RBIs in 78 games with 11 steals.

Kyle Tucker’s current contract situation could lead to trade

As Rosenthal pointed out, the Yankees must swing a trade with the Astros for Kyle Tucker. Tucker is under contract for the 2025 season and will be a free agent afterward.

As such, the Yankees may face the same situation they did with Soto last winter. Last offseason, the Yankees swung a deal to bring Soto to New York despite his impending free agency.

Soto parlayed a great year into a record-setting contract. The same scenario could unfold with Tucker.

Tucker’s current deal pays him $16.7 million. If he has a great year, Tucker will likely seek a bigger contract. While the Yankees have the financial power to pay him, there’s no guarantee Tucker would want to remain in the Bronx.

However, as Rosenthal mentioned, the Astros may be willing to part with Tucker, given owner Jim Crane's history of not giving players massive deals. This could open the door for the Yankees to explore a deal involving Tucker, though it remains to be seen if the Astros will entertain such a move.

In the meantime, the Yankees will need to explore potential replacements for Soto to address a significant gap in the outfield and the batting order.

About the author

Nestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor’s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.

Nestor credits the Leafs’ playoff runs in the early '90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.

Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can't for stories.

When he is not writing about Canada’s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.

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Edited by John Ezekiel Hirro