BRADENTON, Fla. – Cole Tucker had mixed emotions about being among five players in the Pirates’ second round of spring-training cuts Tuesday.
“It’s great but it sucks,” the shortstop prospect said.
Tucker was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis along with right-handers Jesus Liranzo and Aaron Slegers and outfielder Jason Martin. Righty Alex McRae was reassigned to minor-league camp.
Tucker made a strong impression in exhibition play, going 7-for-18 (.389) with one double, one triple and two home runs. He also played stellar defense.
However, Tucker knew he had no chance to make the team. The Pirates never jump a player from Double-A to the major leagues and they also have Erik Gonzalez and Kevin Newman competing to be the starting shortstop.
Thus, Tucker can now begin getting more regular playing time in minor-league camp.
Neal Huntington thinks Tucker could help the major-league team this season.
“He needs to continue to refine his game,” Huntington said. “Offensively, he has found an approach that is going to play. He’s driving the ball now; he’s drawing his walks; he’s stealing bases, which is a weapon for him.
“Defensively, he’s making the plays he’s supposed to be making. He has range, he can throw, he has everything you need to be a good defensive shortstop.”
Getting to Pittsburgh this season is Tucker’s goal.
“I know who Cole Tucker is and I wanted to show who I am this spring,” he said. “I felt like I swung the bat well and made strides defensively, both making routine plays and more difficult plays.
“I’m going to go over to minor-league camp, work hard, kick some (behind) in Indy and help this team win at some point in the summer.”
Liranzo gave up two runs in 5 1/3 innings, while Slegers allowed four runs and eight innings. McRae was touched for four runs (three earned) in 3 1/3 innings.
Martin played well in the Grapefruit League. He was 7-for-23 (.304) with two triples and two homers.
The Pirates now have 53 active players in camp.
PERROTTO’S VIEW
None of the moves were unexpected. However, Tucker made a strong impression during his time in camp.
Despite having the pedigree of being a first-round draft pick in 2014, Tucker has improved his stock since the middle of last season. He finished strong at Double-A Altoona then had a fine performance in the Arizona Fall League.
Since last June, many scouts believe he has raised his ceiling from utility player to at least a solid major-league shortstop.
Neither Gonzalez nor Newman have stood out this spring. That could lead to Tucker eventually becoming the starting shortstop this season, though it seems unlikely that would happen until he gets at least a half season of experience of Triple-A ball.
Martin is an interesting player as he showed he could both hit for power and run.
His defense has been in question and some scouts feel he should be relegated to left field. However, he will see extensive action in center field at Indianapolis to see if he can handle the position.
Liranzo has a great arm but needs better command of a fastball that reaches 100 mph.
Slegers failed to impress in his first spring training with the Pirates after being claimed off waivers from the Twins in the offseason, but the organization likes his ground-ball tendencies.
McRae will likely work out of the bullpen at Indianapolis and has some work to do to get back to major leagues, where he pitched in two games for the Pirates last season.