Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker is known for his potent left-handed bat.
Last season, he was one of the most valuable players in the league, with a .294/.359/.557 line, 30 home runs, 83 runs scored, 92 RBI, and 14 steals in just 140 games.
This year, it has been more of the same: he has been stellar, with a .262/.355/.489 line, 13 round-trippers, 27 runs, 45 RBI, and 12 thefts.
He seems on the way to completing his first 30-30 season, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
As you can see, he is an elite hitter.
What if we told you he is an elite fielder, as well?
His Defensive Impact Is Underrated
Yes: it may be hard to believe, but Tucker is one of the best defensive outfielders in the league.
“As of this morning, Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker is worth 12 defensive runs saved, according to Sports Info Solutions. The only player in baseball worth more is Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes, who is worth 14,” Astros reporter Chandler Rome tweeted.
As of this morning, Astros right fielder Kyle Tucker is worth 12 defensive runs saved, according to Sports Info Solutions. The only player in baseball worth more is Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes, who is worth 14.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) June 24, 2022
12 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) in late June is nothing short of amazing.
He may not seem like an elite fielder, but don’t let that deceive you.
He can do things like this:
Incredible catch by Tucker pic.twitter.com/lIhq0CGADy
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) June 24, 2022
That catch right there saved at least a double.
When it’s time to vote for the American League’s MVP, New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge and Tucker’s own teammate, Yordan Alvarez, might be better positioned to get more votes.
But they don’t have the kind of defensive impact Tucker can have, even though Judge is no slouch with the glove.
Tucker, a notorious slow starter, should also start hitting more with the weather warming up.
The Astros have one of the most impressive ballplayers in the AL.
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