This is where I am. I accept the move. I kind of agree with the move. It’s a good return. But I’m sad
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Not going to get into hypotheticals about what else might have been on the table (there were no rumors I’m aware of), but Isaac Paredes is a good player and Cam Smith will be a good player. I don’t know much about Wesneski but you can never have too many arms (and we’ve all seen what Miller & Murphy can do when they get their hands on a guy). I’m sorry to see Tucker go but trading him now for an MLB-ready return is a good move.
Now the hard work continues. They need a 3B or 1B, and they need two outfielders (based on Dana’s comments it sounds like Chas is getting one of the spots).
Bregman is out there, obviously, and now the Astros have more money available to retain him. There are short-term 1B options on the free agent market. I hope and expect that Crane will keep the payroll up where it was last season to fill those holes.
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Hate that this day has come. It’s been one helluva run for this team. But like I’ve said, I’ve been warming up to the idea of trading players like Tuck and Framber. I think they are prudent moves for the organization. Hopefully Parades and that SP play well this year but the key to this deal will be whether or not Dana picked the correct top 100 prospect. I’ve got confidence he did.
Framber watch now officially rolling.
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I think this HELPS the chances Alex chooses Houston if the offers are compable.
Improves the chances of competing 2026+
Saves about $10M so does Crane add some to the annual in his offer?
I am still in shock, but a few things come to mind. Once it was revealed that Suzuki had a no trade clause, I was worried that the Astros might panic and get Bellinger as part of a Cubs package. This tells me they will still look for outfielders on the free agency, or trade market.
I am glad that the Astros were at least able to bite the bullet and move Tucker before letting him walk for nothing. The haul, for a rental, is pretty good, in my opinion. If the Astros target a pitcher, I have faith in them. Cam Smith has a real future and Paredes can fill the Bregman void in the short term. I don’t think there is any reason they can’t still be in the running for a pennant next year if they add a few bats.
Big picture, I think the relative failures in the free agent (Abreu) and extension signings (Montero, McCullers and Javier) in recent years only reinforced Crane’s reluctance to be aggressive on long term deals.
I think if I was in charge, I would take the Tucker savings, let Bregman walk with a hearty thank you and pat on the butt. Go sign Anthony Santander and Christian Walker. Both are likely to be 3 or 4 year deals rather than 6 or 7. A lineup of Altuve, Pena Alvarez, Walker, Santander, Diaz, Paredes, CF, other OF is good enough to contend the next couple of years
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I like the sound of that, but without doing the math, might be difficult unless you move Pressly too. Crane wants under the tax number from what I hear. Will be hard to sign those two and stay under without moving Ryan and/or Framber.
They are already shopping Pressly.
If you’re willing to pay Tucker and Bregman a combined 50M, you can pay Paredes, Walker and Santander a combined 40-45M
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If I were Brown, I’d see if Mike Elias would want Pressly as a possible closing option to protect against Felix Bautista coming back from Tommy John. A Cedric Mullins or Ryan Mountcastle for Pressly deal makes sense for both sides.
I also think the Astros either bring Bregman back if his market stays where it is (he would be signed if he had an offer north of $200M) and play Paredes at 1B, or they sign at least one of Santander or Walker/Alonso.
I’m sad about Tucker leaving, but it was inevitable with Crane’s stance on contract length. I would have liked a better third asset than Wesneski in the trade, but at least he’s not going to the Yankees. The offseason is still salvageable for the Astros with Bregman, Christian Walker, Anthony Santander and Pete Alonso still unsigned.
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I don’t think Bregman’s market is as robust as has been reported. If either the Yankees, Phillies or Red Sox had offered anywhere near $200M, he would already be signed. I strongly doubt the Tigers go anywhere near $200M after the Javier Baez fiasco, too.
That was my immediate thought as well but then I remembered if the Astros like a pitcher then there is probably a reason why.
I’m good with the deal.
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Especially after Kikuchi, I’m not about to start questioning their pitching targets.
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I wasn’t questioning their pitching targets. Just stating my personal feelings about the return.
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That I knew, I’m just saying he might need to be moved before signing a combo like you suggest .
I’ve been watching some Cam Smith video. I’m excited.
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Look at the size of them thighs…
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I’m more excited about Cam than the other two.
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If we called MMP the Juice Box, what are we going to call Daikin? The Radish?
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The icebox
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