Astros Kyle Tucker inching closer to the 30-30 club

After a great series against the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker is poised to be close to joining the elite 30-30 club at the end of the season.

Tucker currently sits at 27 home runs for the year as of Sept. 14 and 22 stolen bases.  If he is able to accomplish the feat he will join Astros legend Jeff Bagwell as the only Astros (full season) player to achieve that feat.

Bagwell did it last in 1999 and Carlos Beltran combined between the Royals and Astros in 2004.

Can Kyle Tucker join the 30/30 club?

Tucker, one of MLB’s most underrated stars,  has hit work cut out for him in the stolen base department if he hopes to meet that goal, with only 19 games remaining as of Sept. 14. Eight stolen bases and three home runs is certainly achievable during that time period and he will have to take advantage of some young pitcher/catcher combos coming up to get on the ball.

Catchers to look for include Kelly of Arizona as he I s below league average at 22% for caught stealing, Mejia for Tampa is at 21%, and Rutschman of Baltimore is at 24% for the year, giving Tucker plenty of opportunities for one and two steal games.

How many players are in the 30/30 club?

If Tucker can join the 30/30 club he will be in elite company with only 21 American League players who have accomplished that goal. Willy Mays, Hank Aaron, and both Bonds, to just name a few historic club members, and Mike Trout of the Angels as an example of current big leaguers.

If Tucker can snag a home run and a base or two against Oakland and more against Baltimore and Tampa on their road trip, fans should break out the countdown signs for games to encourage him some more to finish strong to join the club.  Tucker will need to push the stolen bases, having to average almost one every other game to get to 30, but it is possible.