Astros open to offers on Tucker, Valdez

6:35 p.m.: In a full column at The Athletic, Rome writes that the Astros have unsurprisingly received calls about Tucker. He states that none of these discussions have become serious, but reports that Brown is actually willing to consider moving either player if the right opportunity presents itself.

6:20 p.m.: Astros general manager Dana Brown met with reporters at the winter meetings this evening. In addition, they reiterated their long-standing desire to re-sign Alex BregmanBrown left the door at least somewhat open to trading one of his star players.

In response to a question about the team’s willingness to generate interest in this Kyle Tucker And Framber ValdezBrown responded that he would “listen to all players” (X-Link with video via Brian McTaggart of MLB.com). However, they don’t seem to be actively shopping either.

“We listen to everyone. We’re not trying to aggressively push anyone out the door… If it didn’t make sense, we wouldn’t do it,” Brown explained (posted to X by Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle). “So it should really make sense. Because right now we’re a good team and we’re not motivated to move any of these guys.”

Being open to conversation doesn’t mean either player is on the fence. It still seems likely that both will start in Houston next season. Still, there is at least some talk about the possibility of the Astros pulling off a blockbuster. The Athletic’s Chandler Rome floated the idea last week, pointing out that it would create a whole lot of immediate payroll opportunity while also helping replenish a failing farm system. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi tweets that there are “some rumors” surrounding the meetings, particularly regarding the possibility of a Tucker trade.

Both players would make a strong return. They are each in their final year of arbitration eligibility, but are among the best in baseball at their respective positions. Tucker, who MLBTR’s Matt Swartz has projected a salary of $15.8 million, hit 23 home runs in just 78 games this year. He slashed .289/.408/.585 in 339 plate appearances. A nagging right leg injury cost him a few months, but Tucker’s performance was the best of his career. He is one of the game’s five to 10 best hitters and is trending towards a free agent deal that could pay close to $400 million.

There is little indication that the Astros will make a move to sign Tucker to such a contract. Even if they expect him to leave in 12 months, a trade would be a tough sell. Houston is trying to win another AL West title. They wouldn’t come close to replacing Tucker’s production if they moved him. They’re already thin in the outfield where Chas McCormick And Jake Meyers are the other planned starters. Jordan Alvarez could see time in left field, but manager Joe Espada said today the Astros hoped to reduce his work in the outfield to give him more reps as a designated hitter (X-Link via Rome).

Valdez probably wouldn’t bring quite the same return as Tucker. He would probably be easier to replace, although the Astros would have a lot of confidence in returning injured players Luis García And Lance McCullers Jr. to do this. The southpaw has a 2.91 ERA in 176 2/3 innings. Valdez has surpassed 175 frames in three consecutive years. He has not allowed an ERA above 3.45 in any of those seasons. While his strikeout rates are beyond great, Valdez has top-notch ground ball numbers.

Swartz expects Valdez to receive a salary of $17.8 million in his final year of arbitration. That’s a significant amount, but it’s still well below what he would earn for a season as a free agent. (Frankie Montas (For example, he just signed for $17 million per year over two seasons.) Valdez is entering his age-31 season and could be limited to a five-year contract as a free agent, but he’s on track to a deal, which lands well over $100 million. The Astros have a better chance of re-signing him than keeping Tucker, but neither player seems particularly likely to stay in Houston after next season.