Tucker Says Astros 'Have Really Good Shot' at Winning World Series
First things first — Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker won’t get his 30/30 season, it appears.
Tucker revealed on Saturday that the home run he thought he hit against the Arizona Diamondbacks, which would have been his 30th home run of the season, will remain a triple.
“I'd rather have it be a homer,” Tucker said. “It kind of is what it is at this point. It's in the past now. You've just got to look forward to the playoffs and the game today.”
It would have made Tucker the rare player with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases. He’ll have to settle for a season that should put him on most MVP ballots.
Now, the focus is on getting back to the World Series for the third straight year and trying to win back-to-back titles and becoming the first team to win back-to-back crowns since the New York Yankees did it in 2000, when they wrapped up a three-peat.
Tucker likes the Astros’ chances as they enter Game 1 of the American League Division Series on Saturday against the Minnesota Twins.
“But every year is special, especially with this group,” Tucker said. “We have a really good team, and I think we have a really good shot at making it to the World Series and winning. That's our goal, but it all starts today with Game 1. So we're just going to go out there and try to play our best ball.”
Tucker was just named the Astros’ Most Valuable Player by the Houston chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America. Tucker slashed .284/.369/.517/.886 with 29 home runs, 112 RBI and 30 stolen bases. His 112 RBI was an American League-high.
Tucker will be able to bring a strong case in salary arbitration, especially if he finishes high in American League MVP voting, which will be released in November. He’s finished in the Top 20 in MVP voting each of the last two seasons, as a Gold Glove, a World Series ring and made his second All-Star Game appearance in July.
He and the Astros tried to agree to a long-term contract last offseason but were unable to come to terms.
