Despite many of the most prominent players on the Houston Astros facing some looming contract decisions, those working in Spring Training are blocking out that noise as they get ready to compete for another World Series title.
That's to be expected from this group that is in the middle of a dynastic run.
A third championship for many players in this core would cement themselves, and this team, as one of the all-time greats in the American League and MLB overall.
However, the front office still has to think about what's best for the entire future of the franchise.
That's why Kyle Tucker is a name that's been floated as a possible trade candidate since he's expected to hit free agency after the 2025 season and it will be difficult to re-sign him.
The Astros already bucked their normal philosophy when handing out a megadeal to Josh Hader and extending Jose Altuve.
It doesn't seem like they're going to do the same with Alex Bregman.
Tucker could find himself in that same boat.
General manager Dana Brown was hired for this position in large part to rehabilitate their dead farm system that is largely considered the worst in baseball.
One way to do that is trade their superstar outfielder before he hits free agency.
Zachary Rotman of FanSided listed the Philadelphia Phillies as a possible suitor, putting together a preliminary trade package of sorts that might get something done between the two sides.
"While it's unlikely that their top prospect, Andrew Painter, will be available in discussions for a rental, even for a player as good as Tucker, but players like Justin Crawford, Mick Abel, and Aidan Miller could all be of interest for Houston," he writes.
Getting two out of Justin Crawford, Mick Abel and Aidan Miller should certainly make Houston interested.
This would jumpstart their farm system back to life, adding two top-five prospects from another organization into theirs. All three of these players also are inside the Top-100 of MLB Pipeline's updated rankings.
Crawford would make the most sense as a piece since he's an outfielder. Abel would certainly help their pitching rotation that is on the verge of losing Justin Verlander and others. Miller could be the replacement for Bregman if they do let him leave.
Getting something for Tucker is better than losing him for nothing.
Brown has to consider moving their superstar outfielder if they don't think he will re-sign with them.
This would provide the opportunity to get some future assets back and hope they can replace Tucker like they have all their other departed stars up to this point.
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