Few Houston Astros fans likely expected top prospect Kyle Tucker to be this good in Triple-A. Even after some discouraging numbers in the bigs, the outfielder has remained dominant in the minors. He is ultimately deserving of being labeled the Fresno Grizzlies’ most valuable player.
When the Houston Astros promoted Kyle Tucker, fans expected his Triple-A onslaught to continue in the bigs. Yet the top prospect posted disappointing numbers – an OPS worse under .500.
But while he struggled for the Houston club, he’s been the clear MVP for Triple-A Fresno. Last night’s clutch hit is a perfect example why.
The Grizzlies entered the ninth inning down 6-2 against the Salt Lake Bees with a division title on the line. After watching Fresno score two runs, Tucker entered the batter’s box with a pair of runners on base.
Then the outfielder smoked a 3-2 pitch over the right field fence – on one knee practically. The knock exemplified how clutch the 21-year-old is in crunch time.
However, if there was any word to describe his overall campaign from this season, it would be consistent. Well, dominant would be accurate too.
Down 6-2 in the bottom of the 9th, it looked like clinching the division would have to wait until Sunday. Then we loaded the bases and scored twice to bring up Kyle Tucker, whose life is a movie. And don't leave the game early!#Growlifornia 🐻🍾 pic.twitter.com/rlHh1oGqFY
— Fresno Grizzlies (@FresnoGrizzlies) August 26, 2018
No matter how Astros fans define his season in their own words, it’s evident the Grizzlies might not be in their current position without Tucker.
The former first-round pick demolishes the ball against essentially any opponent. He sports a .327/.388/.584 triple-slash line. And he leads the team with 20 swiped bags.
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Tucker responded well to his recent demotion, as he’s hit a home run in his four games in Triple-A since then. His overall line in those four games is a hefty .632/.667/.1579.
If only Tucker could translate his smooth hitting prowess to when he’s in a Houston uniform, fans wouldn’t have to worry about left field any longer. Nevertheless, it’s understandable why he hit poorly in the MLB, as many top prospects do in their first stint.
Surely, Astros fans remember how George Springer did in during his first big-league season – home run or strikeout. Tucker didn’t boast similar numbers in his short time in Houston. But he could play a major role come September.
Of course, that will come after he leads Fresno in the playoffs with the possibility of claiming the Triple-A team’s second championship in five years. That wouldn’t be surprising, as Call to the Pen noted back in April.
Nonetheless, Tucker should be named the team’s Most Valuable Player at the end of the season. He could also be the MVP of the Pacific Coast League at this point, as he ranks in the top five in OPS, average, and RBIs. He also ranks in the top 10 in homers and steals.
Whether he earns the hardware or not, Astros fans should be excited for Tucker’s future with the organization. He may be the next big thing for a team already loaded with young talent.