Houston Astros designate Preston Tucker for assignment

The Houston Astros have designated former top prospect Preston Tucker for assignment, freeing up a roster spot.

After signing Hector Rondon to a two year contract, the Houston Astros found themselves needing a spot on the 40 man roster. To clear room for their newest reliever, the Astros have designated former top prospect Preston Tucker for assignment.

There had been a time when Tucker seemed like part of the future for Houston. An excellent power hitter with a solid batting eye, he had a decent rookie year with the Astros in 2015. At just 24 years old, he produced a respectable .243/.297/.437 batting line, hitting 13 homers and 19 doubles. Tucker looked like another young cog for the Astros lineup.

However, he had a disastrous 2016 campaign. During his 144 major league plate appearances that year, Tucker produced a miserable .164/.222/.328 batting line, hitting four home runs. The most concerning part of his collapse was his inability to make contact, as Tucker struck out 40 times, a 6.7% increase in his strikeout rate from the previous season.

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Tucker’s fate was likely sealed during the 2017 campaign. He spent the entire year in AAA, not even earning a late season callup. His .250/.333/.465 batting line with 24 homers and 20 doubles would seem decent, except that it took place in the Pacific Coast League. As a league known for its offense, Tucker was unable to perform to expectations.

However, he still has time to rebuild his value. Tucker will still be 27 years old for half of the 2018 campaign, and should be entering his prime. There were positives in his 2017 campaign, as he boosted his walk rate and struck out only 102 times in 568 plate appearances for Fresno.

Given his power potential, and the ability he displayed prior to the 2016 season, Tucker could be an intriguing acquisition for a team in need of a corner outfielder. He may not hit for a great average, but Tucker has displayed an ability to draw a walk and could hit over 25 home runs in a full season.

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Preston Tucker could still be a useful piece in the majors. It just will not happen with the Houston Astros.