MLB Futures Game: Who To Watch During the Game
By David Hill
Kyle Tucker – Houston Astros
The Houston Astros have a truly loaded system, with five players in the top 100 prospects. Of those players, Kyle Tucker may end up as the crown jewel of the system.
While the Astros have occasionally missed with their top draft picks, they appear to have hit a home run with Tucker. At just 20 years old, he has moved up to the AA level, and has not missed a beat. Not only is Tucker still displaying his solid power and speed profile, but his batting eye has continued to impress.
Thus far in 2017, across two levels, Tucker has produced a combined .288/.366/.553 batting line, hitting 17 homers and stealing 19 bases. Interestingly, Tucker produced a .288 batting average and a .553 slugging percentage at both Buies Creek and Corpus Christi, showing remarkable consistency. He has also drawn 35 walks in 352 plate appearances, striking out just 79 times.
While the Astros have plenty of outfield depth this season, it would not be a surprise if Tucker forced his way to the major league level at some point next year. His impressive abilities at the plate, along with his batting eye, should only improve as he continues to develop. As impressive as he has been thus far in his professional career, Tucker could only be scratching the surface of his abilities.
Kyle Tucker looks like a superstar in the making. By this time next year, he could be a fixture for the Astros.