The Major League Baseball offseason always produces countless rumors, some with truth behind them and some that are completely insane. Whether it’s trading a player like Alec Bohm or bringing in a player from another team, the Philadelphia Phillies have had their fair share of rumors this offseason.
Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet had been linked to the Phillies since the mid-season trade deadline. Trade rumors were in full force again once the offseason began. The Phillies failed to meet the high asking price, and Crochet was traded to the Boston Red Sox for four prospects on Wednesday.
If the Phillies are willing to assemble a package like that and trade the farm, there’s a better target available for the team than Crochet. Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker is the hot name on the rumor mill, and the Phillies reportedly have a strong interest in him.
Phillies have no excuse not to trade for Kyle Tucker with Astros’ demands
Although a starting rotation of Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sánchez, Crochet and either Ranger Suárez or Andrew Painter could've been one of the best assembled, the Phillies might've lucked out not landing the 25-year-old lefty. Crochet enjoyed a breakout season and was among the league's top starting pitchers in 2024, but he also pitched just 12 2/3 innings between 2022-2023 due to Tommy John surgery. It would've been a massive gamble by the Phillies.
The Phillies should instead use those resources on Tucker. He's a left-handed hitting right fielder with major league experience at all three outfield positions and first base. He’s been named to the All-Star Game in each of the previous three seasons, won a Gold Glove in 2022, a Silver Slugger in 2023 and was a part of the 2022 World Series team that defeated the Phillies in six games.
Tucker was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft and made his major league debut in 2018. He broke out in 2021 slashing .294/.359/.557 with a .916 OPS, 37 doubles, three triples, 30 home runs and 92 RBI. He also stole 14 bases.
Tucker’s batting average took a hit in 2022, finishing the season at .257, but his offensive production was still there. He hit 30 home runs with 107 RBI and stole 25 bases.
He recaptured what he did in 2021 and slashed .284/.369/.517 with a .886 OPS, 37 doubles, five triples and 29 home runs in 2023. Tucker finished the season with career highs in RBI (112), walks (80) and stolen bases (30).
Tucker missed significant time in 2024 with a shin injury. The 27-year-old slashed .289/.408/.585 with a .993 OPS, 23 home runs and 49 RBI in 78 games.
The Astros are reportedly prioritizing major league-ready corner infielders and starting pitching in return for Tucker, per Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Bohm and Suárez could be interesting trade bait considering both of their names have been in trade rumors this offseason.
The Phillies could also look into packaging one of their top prospects in either Aidan Miller or Justin Crawford. Right-hander Mick Abel could also be of interest to the Astros.
Tucker will be a free agent after the 2025 season and is projected to sign a massive long-term contract. Given his age and elite production, the Phillies should go all in on Tucker who just so happens to play a position of need for the team moving forward.