Houston Astros Rumors: Four rookies that could have a major impact
By T.A. Mock
Kyle Tucker, OF
You may remember being pretty outspoken about Kyle Tucker getting traded in the past. That is definitely still a possibility and it never meant I wasn’t high on Tucker’s potential. Merely that the Houston Astros to use him to bust their championship window wide open and that he might not be the surefire prospect everyone thought.
However, none of that means that Tucker isn’t capable of providing a tremendous impact, sooner rather than later. He also could still definitely develop into a star, even as soon as this year. His .141 batting average, .203 OPS, 0 home runs, and 4 RBIs in 28 games does paint some doubt but then again, it was only 28 games and 72 plate appearances.
Tucker still has a lot of time to figure out who he is as a big leaguer, after all, he’ll be 22 all of next season. He’ll most likely also get a lot of opportunities to prove his abilities in the big leagues this season, even in a crowded outfield. Michael Brantley can play first base and DH, George Springer can also DH, and Josh Reddick, even with his price tag, may be better suited platooning this year.
light. Also. Don't sleep on Tyler White, you'll regret it
Tucker and his unconventional left-handed swing that have drawn Ted Williams comparisons still destroyed the minors in two stints that sandwiched his struggles in the majors. Tucker has a mature approach that is sure to pan out eventually.
If he remains on the Houston Astros, a likely situation, I’d wager that he still struggles some but provides an impact that begins to peak at the end of the season and into the playoffs, similar to Bregman’s arc. Tucker is going to be a good player for a long time for the Astros and he should replace Reddick in the lineup before Reddick’s contract is up.