Kyle Tucker would have solved a lot of issues for the New York Yankees after losing out on free agent slugger Juan Soto.
But now that the Houston Astros sent him to the Chicago Cubs instead, the Yankees have to pivot once again.
Their deal to acquire closer Devin Williams bolsters their bullpen, but it also opened up a bigger hole on the infield.
They sent prospect Caleb Durbin with lefty Nestor Cortes to the Brewers. Durbin was projected to make the Yankees this spring as a replacement for Gleyber Torres.
Now, the Yankees need a left-handed power bat, a second or third baseman, and a first baseman.
They have an interest in bringing Alex Bregman into play third base and sliding Jazz Chisolm over to his natural position at second base, but many have speculated the Astros were dealing Tucker in part to re-sign Bregman.
The Yankees have checked in on St. Louis Cardinals’ third baseman Nolan Arenado and MLB Network analyst Harold Reynolds thinks it is the best fit for both teams. Arenado has said he would also move to first base if it was the right trade, but the Gold Glover does not have the Yankees on his pre-approved trade list.
With the Cubs acquiring Tucker, they are more likely to trade first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger, whose left-handed swing fits Yankee Stadium and the team’s needs. The Yankees have talked to the Cubs about Bellinger before and will likely have more leverage now.
The Yankees need a first baseman to replace Anthony Rizzo, whose option they declined after the season.
That could also reheat the contract talks with free agent first baseman Christian Walker. The Diamondbacks Gold Glove first baseman would cost the Yankees about $60 million.
MORE MLB: Why the Yankees balked at Astros trade demands for Kyle Tucker
