This is exactly how trade rumors get misconstrued, and now it’s clear that the Kyle Tucker discussions progressed so quickly that things got out of hand with the reporting as it pertained to the New York Yankees’ offer to the Houston Astros.

When it all came to a head, the aftermath suggested some potential concerning truths. For one, the Astros did not want to make a deal with New York, convincing them to pivot without issue.

What else? Apparently the Yankees’ trade package was superior to the Cubs’, and that still couldn’t convince Astros owner Jim Crane to relent. Rumors suggested the Yanks offered a group headlined by Rookie of the Year Luis Gil and 2023 first-round pick (and top prospect) George Lombard Jr.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, that wasn’t true at all, though. He said the Yankees “balked” at the Astros asking for those two, so we can see how Gil and Lombard got roped in here. It would appear some wires got crossed.

This makes a lot more sense now given how quickly Tucker was then traded to the Cubs, who surrendered Isaac Paredes, former Yankees top prospect Hayden Wesneski, and third base prospect Cam Smith.

Yankees Rumors: New York would not include two big names in Kyle Tucker trade talks

Just so you know, in that same column Nightengale is reporting the Yankees are trying to get the Cubs to pay $10 million of Cody Bellinger’s salary ($32.5 million) for the 2025 season in trade talks. Yeah, so it’s doubtful the Yankees were that aggressive in the Tucker trade talks since he’s only signed through 2025.

At this point, the Yankees can’t go over the top in trade talks due to their thinning farm system (and overall lack of value in that department). They already moved Nestor Cortes and Caleb Durbin to the Brewers for Devin Williams and are dangling Will Warren (and likely one more) in the Bellinger talks. The organization would seem to have confidence in Jasson Dominguez being an Opening Day starter. So beyond that, you’re talking about depleting depth or trading your absolute top guys.

The Yankees have money to spend since they were ready to allocate $760 million to Juan Soto. Though they already gave Max Fried $218 million, they essentially canceled out Williams’ salary in 2025 by sending Cortes to Milwaukee. They’ll be more inclined to trade/eat salaries or outright sign free agents rather than go deeper and deeper into blockbuster trade talks, even if the position player portion of free agency isn’t as appealing as many hoped.

Think about it … when was the last time you saw the Yankees go over-the-top in trade talks? Last year’s Soto deal with the Padres was heavily constructed to limit risk, and it did. Brian Cashman wasn’t about to deviate from his philosophy with Tucker, even if it might’ve felt right to do so.