Kyle Tucker talks contract negotiations and Astros expectations

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Astros general manager Dana Brown has made it clear that his goal is to sign as many of the team's core players as possible, which is a growing challenge considering three cornerstones will end up being the must leave free agency by 2025.

Tucker said Monday there are discussions about an extension with the Astros but no offer yet.

“As I've always said, we're always open to those conversations, whether it's now or a little later or whatever it may be,” he said.

The sooner the better it would be for Tucker, although the Astros will likely prioritize Bregman since his contract expires a year early. Tucker and the Astros agreed to a $12 million contract for this season after the 27-year-old lost his arbitration case last year and played for $5 million.

“Obviously I'd rather not drag it out forever, but it kind of comes down to having those conversations and figuring out what's best for me and the team,” Tucker said. “You have to take everything into account and see where it leads. I enjoyed my time here. It was great. I’m looking forward to the season and being part of a World Series run.”

Tucker hit .284/.369/.517 with 29 homers, 30 steals and an AL-leading 112 RBIs last year, finishing fifth in the AL MVP voting. He was named the Astros' MVP by the Houston Chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. He also won his first Silver Slugger Award.

MLB Network ranked Tucker as the second-best right fielder in baseball at every position as part of its annual ranking of the “Top 10 Players Right Now.” He was second to Atlanta's Ronald Acuña Jr., who was the National League MVP last year. Tucker, who was one home run away from a 30-30 season, said his focus this year is to be more consistent.

“The year is long and there are a lot of games, but you have to keep track of things,” he said. “Sometimes you can get tired when you play so many games in a row, but it's our job to go out and perform. I try to do my best to ensure a consistent process every day.”

When it comes to specific areas he's trying to improve, Tucker says it's a little bit of everything: defense, hitting and baserunning.

“I want to get back to playing solid defense on every single pitch, every single ball that's hit to me, or even the balls that I'm just covering,” he said. “And then baserunning, being aggressive with it and making smart decisions. And just being consistent at the plate and not really chasing and doing damage up there.”

Tucker is a key reason the Astros are favorites to compete for another AL title in 2024 after being one win away from returning to the World Series last year. There may not be a more impressive foursome in baseball than Altuve, Bregman, Yordan Alvarez and Tucker.

“Personally, I think we have the best team in the league,” Tucker said. “I know that’s the atmosphere in the clubhouse. You have to have that attitude and go out there and still earn it, play hard and fight through it. But you have to go out there with the mindset that you are the best player or the best team out there and hopefully we can get back to that position and get the job done.”