The Pittsburgh Pirates are a team that must live and die by its prospects. In a new series, PBD will project each of the team’s Top 20 prospects in 2017.
Welcome to a new recurring series here at Pirates Breakdown in which we count down and project the 2017 seasons for each of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Top 20 prospects, ranked as per MLB Pipeline.
Today we take a look at the team’s #7 prospect, SS Cole Tucker
Prospect Primer
Cole Tucker was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates 24th overall in the 2014 MLB draft. Tucker was signed for $1.8 million out of high school. Tucker came in with a lot of lofty expectations. Most assumed he would be the next shortstop in Pittsburgh, replacing Jordy Mercer. Tucker struggled a bit last season at High A Bradenton, but certainly could bounce back in 2017.
Strengths
One of Tucker’s strengths is his glove. He has shown that he can be a smooth fielding shortstop and can make all of the throws. Tucker has great range, often making great plays. Tucker has a great build for a shortstop and does a nice job getting down on the ball. It is likely that his defense will not hold him back from making a run at the majors.
Another strength in Tucker’s game is his speed. In 2015 Tucker had 25 stolen bases with the West Virginia Power. He got those 25 stolen bases on 31 attempts, which is a great ratio.
Areas For Improvement
One area that Tucker will have to focus on as a whole is his offensive output.
Tucker has not had a solid season at the dish since the 2015 season with the West Virginia Power. In 2015 he established a .293 batting average along with 25 RBI’s and 88 hits. Last season he spent part of the season with the Power and the other with the Marauders. He had a combined .242 batting average with both clubs and a miserable .639 OPS.
Tucker will have to improve his batting average and OPS as he offers limited power in his swing. Tucker has hit 6 home runs total in 3 seasons minor league play.
Where He Starts 2017
It is likely that Tucker will start 2017 with the Marauders once again. It will be a good opportunity for Tucker to get back on track with his offensive game. He will be able to brush up any kind of errors in his defense as well.
Where He Ends 2017
If Tucker is able to find his stroke from 2015 with the Power, he may get a chance in Double-A Altoona this season. The incumbent shortstop with the Curve is Kevin Newman. Newman may be in line to get called up to AAA Indianapolis, which would create an opening for Tucker. Tucker will have to display a better all-around game at the dish if he wants to get that chance, though.
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