3 Things Indians Fans Need to Know About 2020 First-Round Pick Carson Tucker
By Michael Luciano
The Cleveland Indians had two picks in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft, and they used the first one, No. 23 overall, to secure the rights to high school shortstop Carson Tucker. While there is a lot to like about him as a prospect given how he has plus traits at the plate and in the field, what most Indians fans might not know is that Tucker is one of the more interesting prospects that slipped into the end of the first round.
3. He Was Taken One Pick Higher Than His Older Brother, Cole Tucker
Pirates' Cole Tucker on his younger brother, Carson:
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) June 11, 2020
“Carson Tucker can hit. ... He hit in the cage with me and my big league friends and kind of shows us up. He has really good barrel control. He can hit the ball really far…I think the sky’s the limit for Carson Tucker.”
Cole Tucker was picked 24th overall in the 2014 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates, and he looks like someone with the defensive chops to handle shortstop duties for the near future in the Steel City. The younger Tucker, regarded as the better hitter, beat his older brother by exactly one spot. Being picked this high might force Tucker to choose the Indians over Texas, where he committed to play his college ball.
2. He Comes From a School With Plenty of Alumni in the MLB
The @Indians draft SS Carson Tucker with the 23rd pick overall in the 2020 draft out of Mountain Pointe HS in PHX AZ #GoTribe pic.twitter.com/f33djF8uQA
— Mistake by the Lake (@MbtL_RGB) June 11, 2020
Tucker hails from Mountain Pointe High in Arizona, which has a history of sending players to the pros. In addition to the Tucker brothers, Kevin and CJ Cron both hail from Mountain Pointe, as does Philadelphia Phillies utility player Scott Kingery. Former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Markus Wheaton and New York Jets guard Alex Lewis also are alums of Mountain Pointe. Go Pride!
1. His Best Traits Are His Rocket Arm and Bat Speed
Indians 2020 1st round pick: SS Carson Tuckerhttps://t.co/sqDZMKwqZX via @WillHoo99
— Indians Baseball Insider (@Official_IBI) June 11, 2020
Tucker wasn't picked in the first round because of his name. He was picked because he can rake. While he may never be a 30 home run per year hitter, he could hit close to .300 regularly given his bat speed and ability to make contact. He profiles as an excellent defensive shortstop as well, given his slick fielding and the fact he has been clocked throwing at close to 90 miles per hour in the infield.