MLB Draft

2015 MLB Draft Profile: Kyle Tucker, OF, Plant HS (FL)

The younger brother of the newest Astro, Preston Tucker, Kyle is regarded as more talented than his sibling and could be a #3 hitter in the major leagues.

By Spencer Morris May 9, 2015, 1:00pm CDT

Measurables

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 175 lbs.

60 yard dash: 6.77 sec. (recorded by Perfect Game)

OF throw velocity: 89 MPH (recorded by Perfect Game)

Summary

Long, lithe and projectable, the lefty-hitting Tucker is the kind of player you commonly hear referred to as a "scout's dream." A prototypical right fielder, Tucker's 175 pound frame already produces plenty of strength and more is sure to be on the way. His arm strength isn't typical of a right fielder yet, but his arm strength projects as above average to plus down the line.

As a hitter, Tucker is unbelievably impressive. There are few prospects I can think of with swings as smooth and controlled as Tucker's is at his age. He uses all of his broad frame to his advantage, and keeps his lower half in tune with his upper body with each repetition. His swing path doesn't get too long, and his balance at the plate is immaculate. He has a powerful line drive stroke and gets good loft while generating lots of leverage. Tucker's hit and power tools both project as plus, and in the eyes of many (including me), he has the best swing in this year's class.

Tucker is a good athlete for his size and at his current weight he could likely play center field, but the team that drafts him will most likely prefer that he add muscle to his frame to max out his power and arm strength so he can slot into a right field role. Tucker shows good short area burst, particularly for his size, and eats up space in the outfield with his well-controlled footwork. His throwing motion is smooth and should generate a lot of velocity as he fills out. Tucker isn't the defensive dynamo that some players in this prep class are, but he's going to be able to field his position well.

Tucker is a rare talent who has cemented himself as a high first-round talent. He oozes offensive potential, and bats like his are only available in very small numbers each year. He may not provide the defensive value of a player like Brendan Rodgers, but his middle of the order potential as a hitter might be unmatched by any player in this class.

MLB Projection

A #3 hitter with solid defense in right field, All-Star potential.

Projected Draft Round

Top-10 selection

College Commitment

Florida

Will he sign?

Yes.

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