WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Astros general manager Dana Brown has made it clear that their goal is to sign as many of the team’s core players as possible, which is a growing challenge considering that three cornerstone players will eventually reach free agency. 2025
Tucker said Monday there had been some talk with the Astros about an extension, but no offer yet.
“As I’ve always said, we’re always open to having those conversations, whether it happens now or a little later or whatever,” he said.
The sooner the better for Tucker, although the Astros may prioritize Bregman because his contract expires a year early. Tucker and the Astros agreed to a $12 million contract this season after the 27-year-old lost his arbitration case last year and played for $5 million.
“Obviously, I’d rather not extend it forever, but it depends on having those conversations and working it out and seeing what’s best for me and the team,” Tucker said. “You have to take everything into account and see where it goes. I’ve enjoyed my time here. It’s been great. I’m looking forward to the season and making a run to the World Series.”
Tucker slashed .284/.369/.517 with 29 homers, 30 steals and an AL-leading 112 RBIs last year, finishing fifth in AL MVP voting. He was named the Astros MVP by the Houston chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America. He also won the first Silver Slugger Award.
MLB Network’s annual tradition of ranking the “Top 10 Players Right Now” at each position ranked Tucker the second-ranked right fielder in baseball. He was second only to Atlanta’s Ronald Acuna Jr., who was last year’s National League MVP. Tucker, one homer shy of a 30-30 season, said his focus this year is on being more consistent.
“The year is long and there are a lot of games but you have to stay at it,” he said. “Sometimes you get tired playing a lot of games in a row, but it’s our job to go out there and perform. I try to be consistent every day and do my best.”
As for the specific areas he’s trying to improve, Tucker is a little bit of everything: defense, hitting and getting on base.
“I want to get back to playing hard defense every time, every ball that’s hit at me, or even the ball that I’m backing up,” he said. “And from there, being aggressive about it and making smart choices. And being consistent at the plate and not trying to chase and get hurt out there.
Tucker is a big reason the Astros are favored to contend for another AL title in 2024 after falling one win short of reaching the World Series last year. There may not be a more formidable lineup in baseball than Altuve, Bregman, Jordan Alvarez and Tucker.
“Personally, I think we’ve got the best team in the league,” Tucker said. “I know that’s the feeling around the clubhouse. You have to have that mindset and go out there and still earn it and play hard and grind. But you’ve got to go out there thinking that you’re the best player or team and that we’re going to get back there and get the job done.