MLB insider claims "Yankees were not willing to meet Astros asking price," leaving Cubs to scoop Kyle Tucker from Houston

The MLB offseason has picked pace over the last week with several big names, including Juan Soto and Max Fried, committing their future to a new team. Another name that moved to a new team was All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker.

The 2022 World Series winner with the Houston Astros entered his last year of contract following the 2024 season. Although the New York Yankees were interested in the three-time All-Star as a potential replacement for Juan Soto in the outfield, Tucker was traded to the Chicago Cubs on Friday.

Although the Yankees were heavily linked with the World winner, MLB insider Robert Murray claimed the Bronx Bombers weren't willing to meet the Astros' asking price for the slugger.

Murray said on "The Baseball Insiders" podcast (4:50):

"As far as the Kyle Tucker trade goes, they have been talking about different scenarios here with the Chicago Cubs and also with the New York Yankees and there's been other teams involved in this as well.

"When a guy like Kyle Tucker is being talked about, there's gonna be numerous teams to check in to see what, what exactly it's going to take. But the Yankees, they were not willing to meet the ashes. Asking price, which immediately put the Chicago Cubs. Into the pole position here for Kyle Tucker."

The Chicago Cubs traded away third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski and prospect Cam Smith to Houston in exchange for Kyle Tucker.

Although the Cubs won the race for Tucker, Murray believes it will be a one-year rental, expecting the All-Star outfielder to test free agency after the 2025 season.

Yankees reportedly turned down trading promising starter for Kyle Tucker

According to reports, for a trade to the Yankees, the Astros demanded reigning American League Rookie of the Year Luis Gil after a breakthrough 2024 season in the Bronx.

However, the Yankees were unwilling to part ways with the emerging starter who was a dependable arm in the rotation when Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole missed the start of the 2024 season due to injury.

"Yankees did not want to part with both Luis Gil and George Lombard Jr. in package for Tucker. They view Gil as a potential No. 1. Never got especially close," MLB insider Jon Heyman wrote.

Luis Gil is expected to be a crucial part of the Yankees rotation as starter Nestor Cortes Jr. was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for All-Star closer Devin Williams on Friday.