[ad_1]
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Astros general manager Dana Brown has made it clear that his goal is to sign as many of the team’s core players as possible, but three core players will be free agents by the end of the season. Considering the year 2025, this has become an increasingly big challenge.
Tucker said Monday there has been some talk about a contract extension with the Astros, but no offers yet.
“As I always say, whether it happens now or a little later or whatever it is, we’re always open to having those conversations,” he said.
In the case of Tucker, the sooner the better, but the Astros will likely prioritize Bregman since his contract expires a year early. Tucker and the Astros agreed to a $12 million contract for this season after the 27-year-old lost an arbitration case last year and played for $5 million.
“Obviously, I don’t want to extend it forever, but it’s about having those conversations and working them out and thinking about what’s best for me and the team,” Tucker said. “We’ll have to take everything into consideration and see how it goes. I’ve enjoyed my time here. It’s been great. I’m looking forward to the season and looking forward to getting to the World Series.” ”
Last year, Tucker hit .284/.369/.517 with 29 home runs, 30 stolen bases, and an AL-leading 112 RBIs, finishing fifth in AL MVP voting. He was named Astros MVP by the Houston Chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America. He also won his first Silver Slugger Award.
MLB Network ranked Tucker as the second-best right fielder in baseball in its annual tradition of ranking the “current top 10 players” at each position. He finished second behind Atlanta’s Ronald Acuña Jr., who was named National League MVP last year. Tucker, who was one home run away from a 30-30 season, said he is focused on being more consistent this year.
“This year is long and we have a lot of games, but we have to do our best,” he said. “Playing so many games in a row can be tiring, but it’s our job to go out there and perform. I try my best every day to make it a consistent process.”
As for specific areas he’s trying to improve on, Tucker said it’s a little bit of everything: defense, hitting, base running.
“I want to get back to solid defense on every pitch, every ball that’s hit to me, or even just the balls I’m backing up,” he said. “Then base running, being aggressive and making smart choices. And being consistent at the plate and not really chasing or trying to do damage.”
Tucker’s presence is a big reason why the Astros, who fell one win short of advancing to the World Series again last year, are in a good position to compete for the AL title again in 2024. There may not be a more formidable lineup foursome in baseball than Altuve, Bregman, Yordan Alvarez and Tucker.
“Personally, I think we have the best team in the league,” Tucker said. “I know that’s the atmosphere in the clubhouse. You’ve got to go out there with that mindset and still earn it, play hard and get it done. But , you have to go out there with the mindset that you’re the best player or team, and hopefully we can get back in that position and get the job done.”
[ad_2]
Source link
