Is Houston Astros All-Star One of MLB's Best Outfielders?
Everyone knows Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker is an offensive star.
After all, he isn't called King Tuck for no reason.
But Tucker is also a phenomenal defensive player, and he's honestly one of the best overall outfielders in all of Major League Baseball.
He's also about to become a free agent in 2025 unless the Houston brass gets their act together and inks the All-Star to the long-term contract that Tucker desires.
Adored by fans and loved by teammates, Tucker wants to remain with the Astros -- and he is and will be worth every penny he's asking for.
As long as Houston General Manager Dana Brown and company offer him that desired deal by the end of the regular season, there's a reasonable chance that Tucker will remain in an Astros uniform until his final days in the Majors.
Tucker made his MLB debut on July 7, 2018 prior to splitting time between Triple-A and the Astros in 2019 and becoming part of the active roster for the COVID-shortened 2020 season.
His breakout season came in 2021, when he garnered his first All-Star selection while slashing .294/.359/.557 with 30 home runs, 92 RBI and 14 stolen bases.
Although those averages dipped some in 2022, Tucker still completed last year with impressive numbers, ending the season slashing .257/.330/.478 with 30 home runs, 107 RBI and 25 stolen bases.
He also took home Gold Glove honors in 2022.
Thus far in 2023 (93 games), Tucker is slashing .298/.376/.487 with 14 home runs, 62 RBI and 15 stolen bases.
He's also had some highlight-reel catches, including a recent game-saving catch against the Los Angeles Angels.
Over his entire MLB career (491 games), the 26-year-old Astros right fielder is slashing .274/.343/.499 with 87 home runs, 318 RBI and 68 stolen bases.
Brown and the Houston brass would be smart to sign Tucker as soon as possible.
Letting him go, however, would be a tremendous mistake -- and one that may weigh on the organization for years to come.
Tucker is a legend, and he's only just getting started in what will likely be a historic MLB career.
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