Bleacher Report proposes wild trade scenario for Padres to land Astros' Kyle Tucker

While rumors begin to swirl that the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros are in deep trade talks involving All-Star slugger Kyle Tucker, Bleacher Report pieced together a wild package that could help the San Diego Padres secure the outfielder's services for the 2025 season.

The Padres were termed a "mystery team" by Bleacher Report, and in their mock trade would send infielder Luis Arráez and reliever Jason Adam to H-Town in exchange for Tucker and starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. This actually isn't as crazy as it sounds and will be a win-win trade for both teams.

Bleacher Report proposes wild trade scenario for Padres to land Astros star Kyle Tucker

Tucker is one of the premier bats in Major League Baseball. While not on Juan Soto's level, he's not far off. Tucker battled a leg injury last season, but was still able to slug 23 homers and post a 181 OPS+. Can you imagine the type of damage he'd be able to inflict at Petco Park?

The problem with Tucker coming to San Diego would be the same issue that haunted the Padres after acquiring Soto — he's a short-timer. Tucker is in the final year of his arbtration window and will test free agency next offseason. How much will teams be willing to give up for one year of Tucker?

According to AL folks I trust, it will be a surprise if the Astros don’t trade Kyle Tucker within 48 hours. The Cubs appear like clear favorites. Until a deal is done, keep an eye on the Yankees, but Cubs were better positioned.
Still waiting on other sources to call back.
— Jose de Jesus Ortiz (@OrtizKicks) December 12, 2024

The addition of McCullers to the trade proposal is an intriguing one. The right-hander hasn't pitched since 2022 due to a variety of injuries. But given San Diego's depleted rotation heading into 2025, the move itself has merit.

The Padres acquired Adam at the trade deadline last July, but AJ Preller has shown a penchant to trade those types of players before — look no further than Soto last winter. Including Arràez would hurt the team's leadoff spot, but the three-time batting champion offers very little pop and is defensively limited. Arráez is rumored to be seeking a contract extension, and maybe that's something he could find in Houston as they're looking to replace Jose Abreu at first base.

The Cubs are circling the wagons and a trade appears imminent, but Pads fans know that Preller can never be counted out.

Bleacher Report proposes wild trade scenario for Padres to land Astros' Kyle Tucker

Bleacher Report proposes wild trade scenario for Padres to land Astros star Kyle Tucker

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