Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 40 | Run: 60 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 55
Tucker's ascension to Pittsburgh hasn't exactly gone on a straight path. Taken out of the Arizona high school ranks in 2014, a torn labrum cut short his first full season, and a broken thumb kept him from heading to the Arizona Fall League in '17. He struggled for the first half of the '18 season, but things clicked in the second half and he was one of the best players in the AFL, earning a spot on the 40-man roster in the process.
Aside from staying healthy, it's always been a matter of Tucker learning to control his 6-foot-3 frame consistently, especially offensively. During his struggles at the start of the 2018 season, his lower half would get off-balance in the box, his stride would get too big and he'd lose connection with his lower half. Late in the year and in the AFL, he was feeling his base better, driving the ball more consistently with extra-base authority. His plus speed plays up on the basepaths and in the field because of his outstanding instincts. He gets off the ball well, with good reads and more than enough arm for the premium position long term.
In addition to his physical gifts, Tucker gets high marks for his leadership and work ethic, and he was given the AFL's Stenson Sportsmanship Award as a result. His arrow is pointing up and he should be the Pirates' shortstop for a long time to come once he's ready. Statcast - Batting Season Pitches Batted Balls Barrels Barrel % Exit Velocity Launch Angle XBA XSLG WOBA XWOBA XWOBACON Hard Hit % K % BB % 2019 622 108 5 4.6 87.0 6.6 .247 .370 .264 .285 .353 36.5 25.2 6.3 ALL 622 108 5 4.6 87.0 6.6 .247 .370 .264 .285 .353 36.5 25.2 6.3 MLB 40553 6.3 87.5 11.2 .251 .412 .317 .318 .371 34.5 21.7 8.3 Transactions Team Date Transaction 09/03/2019 Pittsburgh Pirates recalled SS Cole Tucker from Indianapolis Indians. 08/19/2019 Pittsburgh Pirates optioned SS Cole Tucker to Indianapolis Indians. 08/16/2019 Pittsburgh Pirates recalled Cole Tucker from Indianapolis Indians. 06/08/2019 Pittsburgh Pirates optioned SS Cole Tucker to Indianapolis Indians. 04/20/2019 Pittsburgh Pirates recalled Cole Tucker from Indianapolis Indians. 03/12/2019 Pittsburgh Pirates optioned SS Cole Tucker to Indianapolis Indians. 11/20/2018 Pittsburgh Pirates selected the contract of Cole Tucker from Altoona Curve. 01/22/2018 Pittsburgh Pirates invited non-roster SS Cole Tucker to spring training. 09/16/2017 Altoona Curve activated SS Cole Tucker from the 7-day disabled list. 09/09/2017 Altoona Curve placed SS Cole Tucker on the 7-day disabled list. Left hand fracture. 07/20/2017 SS Cole Tucker assigned to Altoona Curve from Bradenton Marauders. 06/24/2017 Bradenton Marauders activated SS Cole Tucker from the 7-day disabled list. 06/04/2017 Bradenton Marauders placed SS Cole Tucker on the 7-day disabled list retroactive to June 3, 2017. 03/31/2017 SS Cole Tucker assigned to Pittsburgh Pirates. 03/31/2017 SS Cole Tucker assigned to Pittsburgh Pirates. 05/28/2016 SS Cole Tucker assigned to Bradenton Marauders from West Virginia Power. 05/08/2016 SS Cole Tucker assigned to West Virginia Power from West Virginia Black Bears. 04/02/2016 SS Cole Tucker assigned to West Virginia Black Bears. 09/24/2015 West Virginia Power activated SS Cole Tucker from the 7-day disabled list. 08/09/2015 West Virginia Power placed SS Cole Tucker on the 7-day disabled list. 04/09/2015 SS Cole Tucker assigned to West Virginia Power from GCL Pirates. 03/31/2015 SS Cole Tucker assigned to Pittsburgh Pirates. 06/13/2014 SS Cole Tucker assigned to GCL Pirates. 06/12/2014 Pittsburgh Pirates signed SS Cole Tucker.
