Kyle Tucker Trade Rumors: MLB analyst links Gold Glove Astros outfielder to possible deal with Phillies

Over the past number of seasons, the importance of Kyle Tucker relative to the Astros' lineup has only increased. Now, it appears as though the outfielder could be one of the team's most sensible trade pieces in the coming weeks.

Despite a seven-game win streak and the highest team batting average in baseball, the Astros remain 5.5 games behind the Mariners in the AL West. As such, rumblings about deadline activity have already begun.

"Kyle Tucker did not miss that one. His 19th blast of the year is the third homer of the afternoon for the Astros!" - Foul Territory

In a recent piece for Total Pro Sports, writer Alex Hoegler discussed Tucker's value at the trade deadline. According to Hoegler, the Philadelphia Phillies are among the teams most interested, and also among those who can return the most value in terms of prospects.

Currently under a one-year, $12 million deal with the Houston Astros, the 27 year-old is coming off a career season in 2023. Last year, Tucker hit .284/.369/.517 with 29 home runs and an AL-best 112 RBIs. Ever since, teams have considered Tucker to be in the same eschelon as other Astros sluggers like Alex Bregman, Jose Altuve, and Yordan Alvarez.

Although he is currently on the ten-day IL, Tucker has put up another strong season in Houston. The Florida-native is hitting .266/.395/.584 with 19 home runs and 40 RBIs. He will become eligible for arbitration in 2025, and then for free agency by the end of the 2026 season.

Kyle Tucker goes deep again. He’s now tied for the league-lead in homers with fifteen!" - Foul Territory

While it is not confirmed that the Astros will be sellers, things are starting to look that way. The club trails the Seattle Mariners considerably, and needs to consider other offseason commitments, such as the fact that Alex Bregman's five-year, $100 million deal is set to expire.

Kyle Tucker eyes speedy return to prove his trade worth

Although he has been up some solid stats this year, Tucker has been out of the lineup with a shin contusion since June 3. Still, his timetable for returning remains open-ended, as Tucker recently told the Houston Chronicle:

“(I am) easing back into hitting off the tee, trying to be able to run as normal as I can, not sprinting or anything, just trying to get on there and get it moving.”

The trade deadline is still about a month away, but with so many rumors swirling, Kyle Tucker's return to the lineup is desired by multiple parties.