Houston Astros Slugger Helps Lead the Way in Latest MVP Poll

The Houston Astros are slowly starting to dig themselves out of the hole they buried themselves in to begin the 2024 MLB season.

Thanks to rotation injuries, underperforming stars, and the sense of dread surrounding the team, this team is starting to play good baseball again and resemble the dynasty of the recent past.

Much of this success is due to slugger Kyle Tucker and his incredible success despite the dysfunction surrounding him.

Although Tucker has always been a great player since his Major League debut in July 2018, this season saw him take that success to new heights.

Tucker is surpassing all his career averages and owns a slash line of .288/.421/.618 with 15 home runs during the 2024 season. He also owns an OPS+ of 197, with an average OPS+ of 100.

Simply put, Tucker has been downright unstoppable at this plate this year.

In MLB.com’s latest MVP poll, Tucker sits in second place with six votes and behind Juan Soto of the New York Yankees.

“Tucker was already one of the best players in MLB over the past three years, but he took his game to another level in 2024,” writes Thomas Harrigan. “The left-handed slugger is tied for the MLB lead with 15 home runs and leads the AL in on-base percentage (.417) and slugging percentage (.623) through 46 games. He’s been particularly hot lately, with a slashing .326/.491/.907 with seven homers and 12 RBIs over his last 13 games to help Houston get back into the playoff race.

If Tucker can maintain this pace for the rest of the season, there’s a very good chance that not only does he deserve serious consideration for the MVP award, but Houston will also be eyeing a playoff spot.