"Yankees and Astros hate each other" - Top sportscaster rules out Kyle Tucker as Bombers' response to Juan Soto fallout
A vocal portion of the New York Yankees' fanbase have expressed their discontent about Juan Soto's signing with cross-city rivals New York Mets. Soto's MVP-caliber season with the Bronx Bombers ended when he signed the biggest contract in sports history. The biggest question for owner Hal Steinbrenner and general manager Brian Cashman now is who could possibly replace Soto.
In the WFAN radio segment hosted by Brandon Tierney and Sal Licata, legendary talk-show host Mike Francesca shut down rumors that the Yankees are pursuing the signature of Houston Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker.
"Yankees and Astros hate each other. They aren't going to make a trade," Francesca said. (1:50-1:54)
Francesca was alluding to the 2017 cheating scandal the Astros were embroiled in that caused ripples through the league and especially the Yankees, who were knocked out by the Astros in Game 7 in that year's ALCS.
"You can't even get them in the same room. There is no way that they're going to make a trade." (1:54-2:00)
Although Kyle Tucker wasn't a part of the Astros team that was implicated in the controversy (he made his MLB debut a year later), the legendary sports talkshow host's claims aren't unwarranted, as general manager Cashman has regularly expressed his disdain for what unfolded in 2017.
Legendary talk show host suggests Yankees' alternate plans after Juan Soto's departure
Long-time talk show host Mike Francesca continued on the segment that the Bombers shouldn't move hastily when it comes to replacing Juan Soto.
"I think the Yankees have to step back, be imaginative, and think outside the box. They don't automatically have to go out make a splash signing. They need to get effective players. I'm not even against playing (Trent) Grisham. I like him a lot. I think he could be a useful player." (2:15-2:40)
Left-handed batter Trent Grisham arrived at the Bronx in the package that included Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres. In exchange, the Bombers sent Michael King and Kyle Higashioka among a plethora of players to SoCal.
Francesca elaborated that the team should solely focus on signing left-handed hitters due to Yankee Stadium's comfortable distance in right field for lefty hitters.
"They have to remember left, left, left—that's how Soto worked. (They should) replace him with lefties and not right-handed ageing hitters. That does not work. They've had enough of those." (1:30-1:42)