MLB Trade Rumors: Astros Open to Kyle Tucker, Framber Valdez Deals Before Arbitration

The Houston Astros are reportedly open to hearing trade offers for two of their players this offseason.

Per The Athletic's Chandler Rome, Houston is "receiving trade inquiries" about outfielder Kyle Tucker and is open to dealing him along with starting pitcher Framber Valdez.

"Multiple people familiar with the club's thinking said (general manager Dana) Brown is open to dealing one of Tucker or starter Framber Valdez, both of whom are set to make more than $15 million during their final trip through the arbitration process," Rome wrote.

Astros general manager Dana Brown made it clear Houston isn't in a rush to trade anyone but is willing to listen to offers from other teams.

"We're not trying to aggressively move anybody out the door, but if someone wants to talk, that's part of being at the Winter Meetings," Brown said, per Rome. "Sometimes guys will think outside the box and say, 'Hey would you guys do this guy or that guy.' If it doesn't make sense, we wouldn't do it. It would really have to make sense. We're a good team and we're not motivated to move any of these guys."

Tucker, who will be 28 by the start of the 2025 season, had 23 home runs, 49 RBI, a .289 batting average and a .993 OPS last season despite playing just 78 games. In his last healthy season in 2023, Tucker had 29 homers and 112 RBI.

Given his age and caliber, a trade for Tucker could likely result in a haul of talented prospects.

The same goes for Valdez, who had the sixth-best ERA in the majors at 2.91 and recorded a 15-7 record across 28 appearances.

Brown also seems confident that the Astros would manage without either Tucker or Valdez saying he thinks Houston could win the division without one of the stars.

The Astros, two years removed from their last World Series victory, failed to reach the divisional series for the first time since 2016 last season and are searching for ways to improve. Parting with one of their key players could be an answer.