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Kyle Tucker’s 2021 Player Outlook: Potential is Highly Alluring
4 years agoLast season, Kyle Tucker made the jump from a highly intriguing prospect to more of a fixture in the Houston lineup. Now he has an ADP of 31st overall and will hit in a top-three spot in the Astros lineup. Tucker just turned 24 years old, yet he is expected to be a key guy in the Houston batting order. His 42 RBI were among the American League leaders. He stole eight bases, although his Sprint Speed of 27.6 did not leap out at us. The Exit Velocity of 91.1 pointed to more power promise, even if the xWOBA of .318 or the xSLG of .459 was not thrilling. He also hit just .217 against lefties last year. But when you consider Tucker's age, the faith in the organization is placing in him, and his minor league numbers, you cannot get heavily sidetracked by some of the Statcast totals from an abbreviated 2020 season. Tucker had 34 homers and 30 steals at Triple-A in 2019 and has been regarded as a prime MLB prospect. The Astros obviously believe he is ready to grow into better totals and the tools are there. You may have to take a small leap of faith to draft Tucker at his ADP, but the power and speed potential is very enticing and could pay off nicely in a true breakout year. While his BA and OBP could leave a bit to be desired, there is the potential for a real nice payoff in power, run production, and speed.
