Yankees may be compelled to pursue a trade for a two-time MVP and eight-time All-Star, valued at $330 million, should the Blue Jays sign Kyle Tucker.

TJ Morin

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Yankees predicted to be pushed into trading for $330 million two-time MVP, eight-time All-Star if Blue Jays land Kyle Tucker image

TL;DR

  • Yankees face disheartening ALDS loss and potential free agent Kyle Tucker signing with Blue Jays.
  • Fansided suggests Yankees trade for Bryce Harper if Tucker joins Toronto, citing Harper's souring relationship with Philadelphia.
  • Ben Rice is proposed as a centerpiece for a potential Harper trade, offering Philadelphia a replacement or successor.
  • Harper's contract includes a no-trade clause, but a move to the Yankees could be persuasive despite this.

The New York Yankees' defeat to the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS was profoundly disheartening, and further bad news might be on the horizon. Given that the Jays are widely considered the frontrunners for top free agent Kyle Tucker, the Yankees will need to execute a similarly significant acquisition. 

For Fansided’s Jake Elman, that move would be trading for the Philadelphia Phillies' two-time MVP Bryce Harper. 

MORE: Toronto Blue Jays reportedly favored to sign $460 million four-time All-Star following missed opportunities for Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto in previous offseasons.

“If Tucker signs with the Blue Jays, the next domino to fall should be the Yankees aggressively fighting fire with fire and trading for Harper. That's especially true as the perennial All-Star's relationship with Philadelphia appears to be souring to some degree…The Yankees are unlikely to bring veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt back for 2026…Frazier suggested in October that the Yankees make Rice the centerpiece of a potential Harper trade,” Elman wrote. 

During the recent season, Harper's stats were.261/.357/.487/.844, featuring 32 doubles, 27 homers, and 75 runs batted in over 132 contests. However, these figures might see an increase if he were to play in New York, given he could leverage the Short Porch as a left-handed hitter. 

MORE: The Mets are projected to secure an $18 million, two-time All-Star who will serve as a mentor and form a formidable 1-2 punch with Nolan McLean.

Despite Harper's contract including a no-trade clause, the combination of his deteriorating relationship with Philadelphia, the prospect of joining a team that reached the World Series in 2024, and the allure of the Yankees could persuade him to forgo that protection. 

Getting Ben Rice as a centerpiece in the deal also works in Philly’s favor. They get a man who can replace Harper at first, or be JT Realmuto’s successor at catcher. Hopefully, the two teams get to talking, especially if Toronto does land their white whale in Tucker.

MORE MLB NEWS

The Red Sox are favored to sign a five-time All-Star and Silver Slugger recipient, valued at $53 million, who could potentially fill the role currently held by Alex Bregman.

Detroit Tigers reportedly set to sign a three-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion for $120 million, aiming to improve their roster beyond Zach McKinstry.

Cubs predicted to replace Shota Imanaga with $13.75 million former Cy Young runner-up

News Correspondent