Mike Tuckman (33, Chicago Cubs) was one of the hot topics for Hanwha fans in 2022. Should he or shouldn’t he be re-signed? It’s a topic that has had a long life because it doesn’t have a clear answer.
Tuckman played in all 144 games last year, batting .289 with 12 home runs, 43 RBI, 19 doubles, and a .795 OPS. It’s not a terrible performance, but it’s hard to say he bombed the league. His batting average and on-base percentage weren’t bad, and his contributions on defense and at the plate were solid, but his on-base percentage (.430) was not. He’s not a one-hit wonder, but his impact has diminished.
Hanwha offered Tuckman a new contract, but there was a disagreement over the amount, and Tuckman returned to the United States. He signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs, where he played in exhibition games.
It was clear that Tuckman had already been evaluated by the major leagues. By 2021, he had played in 257 games for Colorado, the New York Yankees, and San Francisco. In 2019, he impressed fans with 13 home runs in 87 games for the New York Yankees. However, aside from the hustle, his overall numbers weren’t that spectacular.
However, the Cubs were looking to bolster their outfield depth and kept him around as insurance after he performed well in exhibition games. In 24 games at Triple-A this year, Tuckman hit .278 with three home runs, 15 RBIs, and an OPS of .870. His walk rate was particularly impressive. While he struck out 21 times, he drew the same number of walks, giving him a .427 slugging percentage. The Cubs took notice, and on Tuesday, they signed him to a major league contract and called him up.안전놀이터
The Cubs aren’t expecting Tuckman to hit for power. But he has a good on-base percentage and has been seeing the ball well lately. He’s also a solid defender and runner. Tuckman has lived up to those expectations. In his first three games, he’s batting .250 with a .500 on-base percentage. He’s also playing well defensively. He’s proving to be the kind of player the Cubs can rely on late in games.
It’s unclear how long Tuckman’s major league career will last. He’s not a lock to make the 26-man roster. If someone comes up, he could be sent back down to the minors. For now, though, his good play has other teams watching. Even if the Cubs change their status and release him, teams with outfield needs could snatch him up in a hurry.
Hanwha, on the other hand, is left without Tuckman. Brian O’Grady, who was brought in as a replacement foreign player, has been too slow. After seeing Tuckman’s declining power last year, Hanwha realized they needed a bigger bat. O’Grady was on Hanwha’s radar in the process, but his inability to get on base is a reminder of his true colors.