Mets trade rumors: Asking for Astros prospect Kyle Tucker in Noah Syndergaard talks

The latest dose of New York Mets trade rumors reports the Houston Astros are unwilling to trade outfield prospect Kyle Tucker in a potential deal for Noah Syndergaard.

Many of the latest New York Mets trade rumors have been less about players they want to bring to Flushing and more about which of the many players they have actually placed on the block. Noah Syndergaard’s name has been involved in many of these Mets trade rumors. A team we’ve seen pop up plenty over the last week for both he and Zack Wheeler are the Houston Astros.

The two teams have discussed a potential Syndergaard trade. However, New York’s insistence on landing outfielder Kyle Tucker in the deal has caused the Astros to back away like Homer Simpson into the bushes.

Tucker has been a top prospect for several seasons. Drafted fifth overall back in 2015, he’s a 22-year-old left-handed hitter with power, speed, and just about everything else you could want in a potential Syndergaard deal. He’s one of the few prospects I would personally think about dealing Syndergaard for. Even in a straight one-for-one deal, he’s someone the Mets should highly considergaard (fully intentional).

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In 72 big league plate appearances Tucker failed to impress last year. He hit .141/.236/.203 in the sample size. In Triple-A for the second straight year, Tucker has again played well. He already has a career-best 26 home runs in just over 400 opportunities. He’s walking a lot, stealing bases, and showing exactly why the Astros are hesitant to move on from him even for a shot at Syndergaard.

If Syndergaard was having a year like he has in the past, things may be different. Because of his 2019 struggles, perhaps we’re seeing Houston balk at the idea.

More likely, I would expect the Astros to possibly consider moving one of their veteran outfielders in the offseason. This is an organization with a plan to compete for years.

Syndergaard can help them win now and for the next two seasons. Tucker has not even begun to aid in their quest for another championship.

Seeing Tucker’s name appear in Mets trade rumors is a good thing for fans of the orange and blue. It means Brodie Van Wagenen is asking for the right pieces. During a weekend in which we’ve heard they’ve thought about flipping Syndergaard for prospects only to then pursue other starters such as Marcus Stroman or Robbie Ray, it’s refreshing to also learn they’ve been more practical.

Another player appearing in recent Mets trade rumors, Edwin Diaz, has a similarly high asking price. From this, I believe it’s unlikely we see them pull off any major deal over the next several days.

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Tucker would fit in nicely for the Mets as a future left fielder. While my preference is for them to land their future center fielder for any deal involving Syndergaard, Tucker is a fine enough alternative if his bat lives up to expectations.