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MLB predictions: Possible 2019 Rookie of the Year candidates

By Kristen Bentley

SURPRISE, AZ - NOVEMBER 03: AFL West All-Star, Vladimir Guerrero Jr #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays bats during the Arizona Fall League All Star Game at Surprise Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
SURPRISE, AZ - NOVEMBER 03: AFL West All-Star, Vladimir Guerrero Jr #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays bats during the Arizona Fall League All Star Game at Surprise Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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ANAHEIM, CA – JULY 20: Kyle Tucker #3 of the Houston Astros bats in the second inning during the MLB game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on July 20, 2018 in Anaheim, California. The Astros defeated the Angels 3-1. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA – JULY 20: Kyle Tucker #3 of the Houston Astros bats in the second inning during the MLB game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on July 20, 2018 in Anaheim, California. The Astros defeated the Angels 3-1. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /

Another rookie will get some attention in Houston, but he’s got a veteran outfield standing in his way.

With the Astros signing Michael Brantley who joins George Springer and Josh Reddick, Tucker’s chances to get into the everyday lineup are slim. Of course, Brantley is prone to injury, so Kyle Tucker could get in to the lineup at some point.

Tucker spent all of 2018 in the PCL where he played in 100 games batting an impressive .332/.400/.590. He hit 24 home runs and 93 RBI. He also stole 20 bases. Unfortunately for Tucker, who turns 22 in January, he did not see the same success during his time with the Astros in July, August, and September. In 64 MLB at-bats, he hit .141/.236/.203 with four RBI and one stolen base. He is still waiting on his first major-league home run.

He’s been with the Astros since he was drafted out of high school in 2015. According to the MLB Pipeline, he’s currently the organization’s top prospect and he’s ranked fifth in the entire MLB after a few names that will show up later in this list.

Tucker is a left-handed batter with a right-handed throwing arm. He’s done his best outfield work in the corners, especially right field, despite playing center field for most of his minor league career. While he’s not on the Astros depth chart, he is on the 40-man roster and should see plenty of playing time during spring training in Florida.

Like his teammate Josh James, Tucker does have the benefit of working with players like 2017 World Series MVP Springer and four-time All-Star Brantley. That veteran presence can make a big difference for young players like Tucker who get to not only watch them but also pick their brains in the clubhouse.

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