Phillies Predicted to Add $12 Million Silver Slugger in Blockbuster Trade Pitch
The Philadelphia Phillies project to be a playoff contender once again in 2024 and owner John Middleton has indicated that the team is saving some “powder” for a potential blockbuster acquisition toward the end of the season to boost those odds.
One such target could be Kyle Tucker, a right fielder who is playing on a one-year, $12 million deal with the Houston Astros for 2024. Writing for FanSided, Curt Bishop proposed a package that sends Tucker to the Phillies in exchange for three leading prospects.
“The proposed trade package would involve the Phillies sending prospects Justin Crawford, Mick Abel, and Aiden Miller back to Houston,” Bishop wrote. “The Phillies have the prospect capital to get a deal done for Tucker.”
Kyle Tucker Can Fill the Philadelphia Phillies’ Upcoming Needs in the Outfield
The prediction added that Tucker is likely to be dealt by the Astros as the team recently “broke the bank” on a $95 million deal for Josh Hader, not to mention a $125 million extension for Jose Altuve. If the team wants to extend another star into the future, that might be Alex Bregman, rather than Tucker.
And a fit with the Phillies is in play as they project to have some payroll flexibility to re-sign Tucker for 2025 and beyond.
“When Tucker hits free agency, so too will Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto,” Bishop noted. “With Bryce Harper now at first base, it’s very likely that the Phillies will pursue an outfield bat or two. This is where Tucker comes in.”
The Philadelphia Phillies Can Leverage Prospect Depth to Add Kyle Tucker
Entering his seventh big-league season, Tucker is one of the best right fielders in MLB, slashing .284/.369/.517 last season to go along with a career-high and AL-leading 112 RBI and a second consecutive All-Star nod. Tucker was a Silver Slugger last season and made the All-MLB second team (his third in a row), plus he has a Gold Glove from 2022.
Any team looking to strengthen its outfield will consider offering him a big contract after this season. And the Phillies have the kind of prospect depth it would take to get him on a rental before that, though it would cost them.
