Prep Baseball Report

Kyle Tucker Cements His Draft Status This Spring



By Justin Burgess
Florida Area Scout

Before the 2015 season began, Plant left-handed hitting outfielder Kyle Tucker was already committed to the University of Florida, played in the Under Armour All-America Game at Wrigley field, and, as the younger brother of Houston Astros prospect Preston Tucker, he had the widely recognized name as a top-level prospect. As the high school season played out, however, Kyle has steadily improved his - and what was an already impressive - resume.

After the season, many scouts saw Kyle Tucker as a prospect that could potentially be drafted in the first few rounds and would have to decide between signing a contract and going to Florida. Although Tucker is an excellent student and could still want to go to college, it seems unlikely since his senior season has catapulted him into being a likely first rounder, and even a top 20 pick.

Tucker has helped himself more this season than just about any player has in the state. As Brendan Rodgers is still the unanimous No. 1 prospect in Florida, Kyle has seemed to climb to the spot right behind Rodgers. Hitting over .400 with two preseason home runs and six regular-season home runs, Tucker was more than productive in what was a grueling 8A district with multiple 90 mph lefty arms.

He also seemed to shine brightest when a large number of scouts, scouting directors, and GMs were in attendance. In fact, his final regular season game at Plant is evidence of how his season has come together: with dozens of scouts and some GMs in the crowd, Tucker went 4-for-4 with two home runs, an outfield assist, and broke what was formerly his brother’s school home run record (Kyle had 31 and Preston had 29). It seemed that in one game, Kyle proved himself worthy of a first round selection and solidified his own legacy at Plant.

Although Plant was eliminated in the first round of districts, the 6-foot-4, sweet-swing outfielder is looking forward to possibly hearing his name called in the first round of the MLB draft on June 8th. The only question Kyle Tucker may have in the upcoming months is deciding between playing baseball at the University of Florida and signing a professional baseball contract.

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