DALLAS – Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki and corner infielder Isaac Paredes are two players the Houston Astros are targeting in a possible trade for right fielder Kyle Tucker, sources briefed on the discussions said The athletic one on Wednesday.

The conversations are flowing and the teams have exchanged different names. Any Cubs package for the 27-year-old Tucker would likely include prospects. Third baseman Cam Smith, Chicago’s first-round pick in 2024, is another player the Astros are interested in.

Seiya Suzuki recorded 3.5 WAR for the Cubs in 2024, his third season with the team. (Kamil Krzaczynski / Imagn Images)

Suzuki could be out of reach for the Astros. According to a league source, it is highly unlikely that the Cubs will move him, and they apparently prefer to trade first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger in a separate trade. But the Astros’ interest in Suzuki and Paredes signals that the team wants to remain competitive even if it trades Tucker and loses free agent third baseman Alex Bregman, with whom it is negotiating.

“Dana and I continue to talk and we’re making every attempt,” Bregman’s agent Scott Boras said Wednesday, referring to Astros general manager Dana Brown. “We know Breggy plays really, really well there, with a great group of teammates and a remarkable history that few teams enjoy. We continue to talk about it.”

The Astros could part ways with Tucker, who will be eligible for free agency at the end of next season regardless of what happens with Bregman. After Juan Soto’s record $765 million contract with the New York Mets, Tucker is expecting a deal worth at least $400 million to $500 million. Astros owner Jim Crane has consistently resisted signing players to mega-deals, which is why Bregman may be the next Houston star to depart.

The New York Yankees and several other clubs are also pursuing Tucker, a three-time All-Star and former Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner. The Yankees may not want a repeat of what happened with Soto, for whom they gave up a big package and then lost on the open market. But they’re also trying to get back to the World Series and — after signing free-agent left-hander Max Fried — could potentially include American League Rookie of the Year winner Luis Gil in a package for Tucker, as first reported by the suggested Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

Paredes, who is expected to make $6.9 million in arbitration and is under the club’s control for three more seasons, is a notorious pull hitter who would be an ideal fit at Minute Maid Park. He could play third base if Bregman leaves and first base if Bregman stays. The Astros made a strong offer for him at the trade deadline last year, but the Cubs instead acquired Paredes from the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Astros likely want Suzuki, who is owed $38 million over the next two seasons, to replace Tucker in right field. Suzuki has a full no-trade clause and its approval would be required to complete a deal.

Tucker is expected to make more than $15 million in his final year in arbitration. According to Fangraphs, he has posted 20.9 wins above relief since becoming a full-time player in 2020 – fourth among outfielders, behind only Soto, Aaron Judge and Mookie Betts.

(Top photo by Kyle Tucker: Nick Cammett / Diamond Images via Getty Images)