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Astros: Kyle Tucker named to Prospect Team of the Week

By Cody Poage

Feb 15, 2017; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; A general view of the Houston Astros logo mounted at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2017; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; A general view of the Houston Astros logo mounted at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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One of the Astros top prospects was named to MLBPipeline.com’s Prospect Team of the Week.

Kyle Tucker, the Astros top ranked position prospect per MLBPipeline.com, has been on a tear this season. The younger brother of Preston Tucker, a current Astros farmhand, has posted an 121 wRC+ with a slash line of .257/.307/.514 in 114 plate appearances with the Corpus Christi Hooks this season. He also spent the beginning portion of the season with the Quad Cities River Bandits and posted an 155 wRC+ in 206 plate appearances.

In other words, Tucker’s 2017 season up to this point has solidified his standing as one of the top prospects in the entire game. This past week, in particular, was noteworthy.

June 19th through June 25th: .310/.344/.793, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 2 BB, 8 SO

Thanks to his impressive showing this week, Tucker was named to MLBPipeline.com’s Prospect Team of the Week.

Tucker’s stock has continued to rise since the Astros drafted the 20-year old fifth overall in the MLB Draft two years ago. Fangraphs gives the young outfielder a 55 future value, which is considered an above average player. His future hit tool, in particular, has the potential to be considered a plus-plus tool. And his game power and raw power have a future grade of average to above average. I believe it is fair to say that this power manifested itself again this past week.

In turn, the younger Tucker brother has been a popular name in trade rumors. Chris Archer, Gerrit Cole, Jose Quintana or Sonny Gray, it doesn’t matter whom. Opposing teams will likely push for Tucker in any trade discussion until proven otherwise.

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Of course, Houston’s willingness to trade should be reluctant. Don’t forget that we are talking about the best team in baseball in terms of win-loss record. Sure, another quality starting pitcher would benefit the Astros in their postseason chase. At the same time, though, Tucker has a chance to be a special talent. There isn’t an easy answer either way you slice it.

**Statistics and information courtesy of MLBPipeline.com, MLB.com and Fangraphs**