Inside the Astros

Houston Astros GM Pushing Hard to Make All-Star an 'Astro for Life'

Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown is pushing hard to extend All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker.
Kade Kistner|
Houston Astros GM Pushing Hard to Make All-Star an 'Astro for Life'
Houston Astros GM Pushing Hard to Make All-Star an 'Astro for Life'

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The Houston Astros have witnessed firsthand the superstar Kyle Tucker has blossomed into.

While he has had magnificent seasons prior to the 2023 MLB season, he is on an entirely different planet this year.

Slashing .297/.378/.519 with 22 home runs, Tucker is outpacing all of his career averages by a wide margin. His OPS+ of 145 this season is 12 points higher than his career mark of 133. 

In other words, as good as Tucker has been since entering the league in 2018, he is 12-percent better at the plate than all the previous five years averaged together. 

He's also one of the main reasons Houston is still just 2.5 games back from the Texas Rangers for the American League West divisional lead. 

If that is a player you think should remain an Astro for life, you're not alone. According to USA Today, general manager Dana Brown said those exact words. He's also confident it can happen.

"Houston Astros GM Dana Brown says that he wants to make All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker an Astro for life, and is confident he’ll get it done," writes Bob Nightengale.

"Well, considering the season Tucker is having – .292, 21 homers, 84 RBI and an .884 OPS – it will take the largest contract in franchise history to reach an agreement. Certainly, it would have to eclipse $200 million, which owner Jim Crane has never given to a player, nor longer than a six-year deal."

And therein lies the issue. Tucker is now a bona fide superstar. Think Juan Soto, Nolan Arenado, Bryce Harper or Manny Machado money. He has proven he is that good and will command that on the open market.

Houston doesn't deal in those types of numbers or years. They built a dynasty that has won two World Series, appeared in another two and looks poised to see another this season, with a strong farm system and shrewd free agent signings. 

But a homegrown talent like Tucker who is just entering his prime and playing like he might just become one of the best outfielders in franchise history. . . now that's worth exploring the possibility of opening the check book.

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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