Kyle Tucker trade might end hope for Red Sox' pursuit of star free agent

The New York Yankees' No. 1 priority this offseason was to re-sign superstar outfielder Juan Soto. They failed in that task (to be fair, so did the Boston Red Sox), as they watched the Mets, their crosstown rival, reel him in with a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract. As soon as they missed out on Soto, their focus shifted to finding a bat that could replace his.

Enter Kyle Tucker. The three-time All-Star has quietly emerged as one of the best players in baseball, and although his bat isn't quite at Soto's level, it's not far off ... and he's a better defender and baserunner. When the Astros began shopping Tucker in the wake of the Soto deal, the Yankees immediately emerged as one of the top contenders. However, they were outbid by the Chicago Cubs, who gave up three players to land Tucker. New York was reportedly unwilling to part with AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil in the trade, giving Chicago the edge.

Now that the Yankees have missed out on what were probably the two best available position players of this offseason, they won't be messing around. Losing Soto was a massive blow, one which their failure in the Tucker sweepstakes only compounds.

And that's bad news for the Red Sox' pursuit of Alex Bregman, as the Yankees are reportedly among their main rivals for his services. Bregman isn't a replacement for Soto, but he's probably the best available bat remaining, unless something changes. Not only that, but he's a household name Yankee fans can be excited about.

Red Sox Rumors: Kyle Tucker trade impacting Boston's chances at Alex Bregman

Not only that, but the fact that the Cubs traded Isaac Paredes and Cam Smith — both third basemen — to the Astros makes it less likely Bregman will remain in Houston. The Astros have historically been unwilling to re-sign free agents to big contracts, hence the departures of Gerrit Cole, Carlos Correa, George Springer, and now Tucker. The trade return for Tucker makes it even less likely that Bregman stays out of New York, as it lessens the probability that he re-signs in Houston.

The Yankees have already taken Max Fried, one of the Red Sox' top targets this offseason, and now it appears that they have the inside track to sign Bregman. Rumors around Bregman coming to Boston were already winding down, and fans are feeling reality sets in with the Red Sox missing out on another top free agent.