Brian Cashman said that he had "many conversations" with the Astros about Kyle Tucker. "At the end of the day, I'm glad that Mr. Tucker is not in the American League. It's a big get for the Cubs."
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) December 13, 2024
***** Official Houston Astros 2024-2025 Offseason Thread *****
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Last: 1 hr ago by The Porkchop Express
— Gambling Tailor (@KingTailorGang) December 13, 2024
Brian Cashman was asked if Alex Bregman's history being on the 2017 Astros factors into the Yankees decision making:
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) December 13, 2024
"He's been a thorn in our side for years, along with other people's side. I have had a conversation or two with Scott Boras" pic.twitter.com/bAOAVGWdAO
To me Tucker was an enigma. Hearing all the accolades about how great he is didn't always equal his demeanor on the field. Watching Altuve, Bregman, Springer, Correa, Reddick and others with their energy and passion during the last decade was light years ahead of watching Tucker and his hohum attitude. Missing a bunch of games last year to a bone bruise and the possibility of him not rehabbing as quickly as he could have set off red flags.
I remember seeing him play in a game when he was on Round Rock and telling my family that he looked like a player not giving a full 100% effort - right after I said that he promptly got picked off first base with the bases loaded.
I remember seeing him play in a game when he was on Round Rock and telling my family that he looked like a player not giving a full 100% effort - right after I said that he promptly got picked off first base with the bases loaded.
Agree on Springer and Tucker, I'm lower on losing Correa, Correa had too many injuries, losing Beltran to the Mets was an 8 for me. Seeing Berkman put on uniforms for the Cardinals, Rangers, and Yankees hurt my heart - even though I totally understood him leaving.Wabs said:
On a scale of 1-10 hurting as an Astros fan (10 the worst):
Springer 10
Correa 8
Tucker 3
Overall I like the deal. Tucker is going to want too much money and I honestly don't have any interest in Houston signing guys to a deal that large for that period of time, it's crazy to me. I also don't want Bregman if it's going to cost $200MM. If you have a guy you can flip for good assets and keep the books in a good place you have to do it. He also didn't end up in the AL. This gives them flexibility to look at some other needs and I'd prefer they invest some more in pitching.
So, I'm happy with the Tucker trade from the perspective of getting something for a guy they knew they had no chance at signing next year. I think it's probably the best deal they could have gotten after sing what the Yankees and Phillies were "offering."
I think they can afford some combination of Teoscar/Santander and Alonso/Walker if they let Bregman walk in '25 and a lot comes off the books in '26. Unless the Mariners somehow get much better offensively this offseason, I think if they signed a combination of those guys, plus a trade of Pressly, they could still win the division.
It's not an end of the world thing, but I do think Dana needs to make a couple of things happen or '25 isn't going to be pretty, in my opinion.
If they are essentially "punting" on '25, I hope there is a solid '26 plan during free agency.
I think they can afford some combination of Teoscar/Santander and Alonso/Walker if they let Bregman walk in '25 and a lot comes off the books in '26. Unless the Mariners somehow get much better offensively this offseason, I think if they signed a combination of those guys, plus a trade of Pressly, they could still win the division.
It's not an end of the world thing, but I do think Dana needs to make a couple of things happen or '25 isn't going to be pretty, in my opinion.
If they are essentially "punting" on '25, I hope there is a solid '26 plan during free agency.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5992938/2024/12/13/kyle-tucker-astros-cubs-trade-analysis?source=user-shared-article
I don't get trading for Nolan.
Quote:
What's next for Houston?
Rome: Acquiring Paredes solves one of Houston's corner infield vacancies but which one is a mystery. Paredes' primary position is third base, but last season, Houston had plans to play Paredes at first base while pursuing him at the trade deadline.
That club still had Alex Bregman at third base. Bregman remains a free agent and the Astros are still suitors for his services, but this trade may diminish the viability of a reunion.
Houston has checked in with the St. Louis Cardinals about a possible Nolan Arenado trade, multiple league sources said, but it's unclear whether Arenado would waive his no-trade clause to join the Astros.
That Houston has even expressed interest in Arenado and the $74 million he is owed suggests it is at least willing to spend substantial money. The club may have no choice given its many needs. Brown has indicated the team needs a leverage reliever and starting pitcher in addition to fixing its infield.
A left-handed hitting outfielder is needed now, too, with Tucker out of the fold.
I don't get trading for Nolan.
Poot said:
Chopping balls off his shin and having the worst wall awareness I've ever seen.
One of the strangest, most awkward super stars I've ever seen.
He's probably going to get stuck in the ivy.
Wabs said:
On a scale of 1-10 hurting as an Astros fan (10 the worst):
Springer 10
Correa 8
Tucker 3
Incredibly accurate
Im looking for Ray Finkle.... and a clean pair of shorts. Im just a very big Finkle fan. This is my Graceland, sir.
MAGA
MAGA
Get STL to eat some of his remaining contract and insert him at 3B and slide Paredes to 1B.
Thinking more long term, this suggests that Crane is a man of his word regarding longterm contracts and just does not have any interest in offering 8 or 10 year deals. Without saying whether that's the right decision or not, it is at odds with the fair market value for all-stars in their 20s. So, to the extent we develop any future all-stars, are we destined to see them get traded as they approach free agency?
Wabs said:
On a scale of 1-10 hurting as an Astros fan (10 the worst):
Springer 10
Correa 8
Tucker 3
Springer 10
Correa 9
Tucker 5 (not hurt, just hate losing his talent)
Bregman 8
Tucker is on a different talent level than the others, but I don't think of him when I think "heart of the team" like I do with the other guys. Probably due to their roles in the 2017-2019 run
Hasn't Nolan already started to show some of the same falloff over the last year that Abreu did before he signed here?Ag_07 said:
Get STL to eat some of his remaining contract and insert him at 3B and slide Paredes to 1B.
I agree re: Correa. I always felt like he got a lot of credit for being the "heart of the team" when the team didn't seem to be all that different after he left. Pena playing lights out as a rookie probably helps with the hindsight, but I just don't remember feeling all that gutted when Correa left.Max Power said:Agree on Springer and Tucker, I'm lower on losing Correa, Correa had too many injuries, losing Beltran to the Mets was an 8 for me. Seeing Berkman put on uniforms for the Cardinals, Rangers, and Yankees hurt my heart - even though I totally understood him leaving.Wabs said:
On a scale of 1-10 hurting as an Astros fan (10 the worst):
Springer 10
Correa 8
Tucker 3
Overall I like the deal. Tucker is going to want too much money and I honestly don't have any interest in Houston signing guys to a deal that large for that period of time, it's crazy to me. I also don't want Bregman if it's going to cost $200MM. If you have a guy you can flip for good assets and keep the books in a good place you have to do it. He also didn't end up in the AL. This gives them flexibility to look at some other needs and I'd prefer they invest some more in pitching.
Ags #1 said:
Don't think there is any way you give JV a 2 year deal. He looked washed up last year
It's a concern but IIRC, he looked good before he got hurt. Of course, recovery is related to age too.
He wasn't his usual dominant self but his ERA before getting injured 3.99 and after getting hurt it was 8.33 if I've got the splits right. I'm willing to bet he can be 90% of his 2022 form.
The one and only @Chandler_Rome joined @AdamJWexler & @AdamClanton to discuss the Kyle Tucker trade to the Cubs. #Astros
— SportsTalk 790 (@SportsTalk790) December 13, 2024
Catch the entire interview here: https://t.co/JU1mvyRIBs pic.twitter.com/rulPymqlH5
Here is a thought exercise. Name a 6+ year deal given to a 26+ year old player in MLB that still looks like a good deal in year 6. I can't think of any case where a guy was given a long blockbuster contract where the team isn't working in the last year or two of the deal to find a way to get rid of them with somebody else taking on some of the contract. As long as we keep making smart moves with prospects, I think Crane's approach is probably the right one as long as there are teams out there that are willing to spend $100MM more than the Astros. Winning bidding wars for those guys on 7+ year deals seems highly likely to be a pyrrhic victory to me.JCA1 said:
Thinking more long term, this suggests that Crane is a man of his word regarding longterm contracts and just does not have any interest in offering 8 or 10 year deals. Without saying whether that's the right decision or not, it is at odds with the fair market value for all-stars in their 20s. So, to the extent we develop any future all-stars, are we destined to see them get traded as they approach free agency?
txags92 said:Here is a thought exercise. Name a 6+ year deal given to a 26+ year old player in MLB that still looks like a good deal in year 6. I can't think of any case where a guy was given a long blockbuster contract where the team isn't working in the last year or two of the deal to find a way to get rid of them with somebody else taking on some of the contract. As long as we keep making smart moves with prospects, I think Crane's approach is probably the right one as long as there are teams out there that are willing to spend $100MM more than the Astros. Winning bidding wars for those guys on 7+ year deals seems highly likely to be a pyrrhic victory to me.JCA1 said:
Thinking more long term, this suggests that Crane is a man of his word regarding longterm contracts and just does not have any interest in offering 8 or 10 year deals. Without saying whether that's the right decision or not, it is at odds with the fair market value for all-stars in their 20s. So, to the extent we develop any future all-stars, are we destined to see them get traded as they approach free agency?
Very possible, which was why I was neutral on whether it's the right strategy. It very well may be. But it'll still sting in the moment seeing every home grown guy get traded away because we won't pay what others will.
EastCoastAgNc said:Hasn't Nolan already started to show some of the same falloff over the last year that Abreu did before he signed here?Ag_07 said:
Get STL to eat some of his remaining contract and insert him at 3B and slide Paredes to 1B.
Have no idea honestly
Arenado?
long way to go yet, obviously, but, bryce harpertxags92 said:Here is a thought exercise. Name a 6+ year deal given to a 26+ year old player in MLB that still looks like a good deal in year 6. I can't think of any case where a guy was given a long blockbuster contract where the team isn't working in the last year or two of the deal to find a way to get rid of them with somebody else taking on some of the contract. As long as we keep making smart moves with prospects, I think Crane's approach is probably the right one as long as there are teams out there that are willing to spend $100MM more than the Astros. Winning bidding wars for those guys on 7+ year deals seems highly likely to be a pyrrhic victory to me.JCA1 said:
Thinking more long term, this suggests that Crane is a man of his word regarding longterm contracts and just does not have any interest in offering 8 or 10 year deals. Without saying whether that's the right decision or not, it is at odds with the fair market value for all-stars in their 20s. So, to the extent we develop any future all-stars, are we destined to see them get traded as they approach free agency?
https://ts.la/eric59704
I like the deal with the Cubs. Trading Tuck was the unsentimental thing to do, but was required given our current big league talent and exhausted farm system. Love getting 3 young players with lots of control, one of which (Smith) who has significant upside.
This run we've been on for 10 years now was built on the backs of these types of decisions grounded in great player evaluation whether that be in the draft, international signings or trades and avoiding longer term financial anchors (with the notable exceptions of Crane led Abreu and Montero signings).
The Crane philosophy on not signing mega extensions worked well for us and can continue to work. To make that happen we need to rebuild the farm with great drafts, trades and signings with Smith being an excellent start IMO. This is where Dana will really need to shine.
To me, this deal feels like one Lunhow would have done, though the reality won't be known for several years.
This run we've been on for 10 years now was built on the backs of these types of decisions grounded in great player evaluation whether that be in the draft, international signings or trades and avoiding longer term financial anchors (with the notable exceptions of Crane led Abreu and Montero signings).
The Crane philosophy on not signing mega extensions worked well for us and can continue to work. To make that happen we need to rebuild the farm with great drafts, trades and signings with Smith being an excellent start IMO. This is where Dana will really need to shine.
To me, this deal feels like one Lunhow would have done, though the reality won't be known for several years.
We usually try to avoid guys who start to be terrible.TarponChaser said:
Are the Astros going to let Verlander walk or make an offer? I might be sentimental about it but would he sign a 1-2 year deal? Maybe with a club option for a third?
Jose Abreu the exception.
Nolan Ryan 75,000tjack16 said:Wabs said:
On a scale of 1-10 hurting as an Astros fan (10 the worst):
Springer 10
Correa 8
Tucker 3
Springer 10
Correa 9
Tucker 5 (not hurt, just hate losing his talent)
Bregman 8
Tucker is on a different talent level than the others, but I don't think of him when I think "heart of the team" like I do with the other guys. Probably due to their roles in the 2017-2019 run
That one still hurts.The Porkchop Express said:Nolan Ryan 75,000tjack16 said:Wabs said:
On a scale of 1-10 hurting as an Astros fan (10 the worst):
Springer 10
Correa 8
Tucker 3
Springer 10
Correa 9
Tucker 5 (not hurt, just hate losing his talent)
Bregman 8
Tucker is on a different talent level than the others, but I don't think of him when I think "heart of the team" like I do with the other guys. Probably due to their roles in the 2017-2019 run
Scherzer with the Nationals
I know I have been obsessive since the trade deadline, but you could also easily target one big OF bat, resign Hayward or Gamel for cheap, and sign Mark Canha as a platoon pair with Singleton and Heyward/Gamel.
Gives you increased depth and cost-effective lineup solutions.
Gives you increased depth and cost-effective lineup solutions.
— Houston Astros (@astros) December 13, 2024
The 2019 team was insane, and then there were 2…. pic.twitter.com/apltC6EoQb
— Astroholic (@AstroholicAnon) December 13, 2024
I know I'm not the only one who feels this way, but 2019 will always haunt me. BECAUSE I'm 100% certain that Manfred knew the Athletic article was coming out and couldn't have the Astros win. It was rigged.
I bet Astros pitchers were given juiced balls to throw while Nationals pitchers were given dead ones. Along with paid umps
Harper - looks great thru 6 yearstxags92 said:Here is a thought exercise. Name a 6+ year deal given to a 26+ year old player in MLB that still looks like a good deal in year 6. I can't think of any case where a guy was given a long blockbuster contract where the team isn't working in the last year or two of the deal to find a way to get rid of them with somebody else taking on some of the contract. As long as we keep making smart moves with prospects, I think Crane's approach is probably the right one as long as there are teams out there that are willing to spend $100MM more than the Astros. Winning bidding wars for those guys on 7+ year deals seems highly likely to be a pyrrhic victory to me.JCA1 said:
Thinking more long term, this suggests that Crane is a man of his word regarding longterm contracts and just does not have any interest in offering 8 or 10 year deals. Without saying whether that's the right decision or not, it is at odds with the fair market value for all-stars in their 20s. So, to the extent we develop any future all-stars, are we destined to see them get traded as they approach free agency?
Machado - would have if they hadn't extended it for no reason. He was under control until age 35.
Scherzer - finished 3rd in the Cy in year 6 (36 years old)
Verlander - arguably his best season in 2019 / year 6 (36 years old too)
Johnsy3 said:The 2019 team was insane, and then there were 2…. pic.twitter.com/apltC6EoQb
— Astroholic (@AstroholicAnon) December 13, 2024
I know I'm not the only one who feels this way, but 2019 will always haunt me. BECAUSE I'm 100% certain that Manfred knew the Athletic article was coming out and couldn't have the Astros win. It was rigged.
I bet Astros pitchers were given juiced balls to throw while Nationals pitchers were given dead ones. Along with paid umps
What does that have to do with Hinch pissing down his leg?
When it comes to long-term FA deals, I always think of the 7 years with Carlos Lee. By the end of it, we were begging for him to leave.
What a sad day.
The more time that passes the more I feel great about this. I feel ****in over the moon about it if dana can sign a top 4 FA OF and a legit 1B (walker)
Im looking for Ray Finkle.... and a clean pair of shorts. Im just a very big Finkle fan. This is my Graceland, sir.
MAGA
MAGA
What happens with Brice Matthews now? Do we trade Peña or can either play the outfield? Lol
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