Cole Tucker

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Cole Tucker

|image = Cole Tucker (51281847766) (cropped).jpg

|caption = Tucker with the Indianapolis Indians in 2021

|team =

|number =

|position = Shortstop / Outfielder

|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1996|7|3}}

|birth_place = Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.

|bats = Switch

|throws = Right

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = April 20

|debutyear = 2019

|debutteam = Pittsburgh Pirates

|finalleague = MLB

|finaldate = June 16

|finalyear = 2024

|finalteam = Los Angeles Angels

|statleague = MLB

|stat1label = Batting average

|stat1value = .216

|stat2label = Home runs

|stat2value = 5

|stat3label = Runs batted in

|stat3value = 40

|teams =

Pittsburgh Pirates ({{mlby|2019}}–{{mlby|2022}})
Colorado Rockies ({{mlby|2023}})
Los Angeles Angels ({{Mlby|2024}})

|medaltemplates=

{{MedalCountry | {{bb|USA}}}}

}}

Cole Bryson Tucker (born July 3, 1996) is an American former professional baseball shortstop and outfielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Colorado Rockies, and Los Angeles Angels.

Amateur career

Tucker attended Mountain Pointe High School in Phoenix, Arizona, where he played for the school's baseball team.{{cite web|last=Skoda |first=Jason P. |url=http://www.ahwatukee.com/sports/article_4a488036-9baf-11e2-a4d0-0019bb2963f4.html |title=Baseball: Tucker's defense, energy help shape MP's approach | Sports |work=Ahwatukee Foothills News |date=April 3, 2013 |access-date=April 24, 2019}} He played for the United States national baseball team in the 2013 18U Baseball World Cup.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.evtrib.com/varsityxtra/2013/08/22/mountain-pointe-ss-cole-tucker-makes-team-usa/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130825080832/http://blogs.evtrib.com/varsityxtra/2013/08/22/mountain-pointe-ss-cole-tucker-makes-team-usa/|title=Mountain Pointe SS Cole Tucker makes Team USA|first=Kyle|last=Odegard|work=East Valley Tribune|date=August 22, 2013|archive-date=August 25, 2013|access-date=April 23, 2019}} He committed to play college baseball at the University of Arizona.{{Cite web|url=https://www.perfectgame.org/Players/PlayerProfile.aspx?ID=335927|title=Cole Tucker Class of 2014 - Player Profile | Perfect Game USA|website=Perfect Game}}

Professional career

=Pittsburgh Pirates=

The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Tucker in the first round, with the 24th overall selection, of the 2014 Major League Baseball draft.{{cite web|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2014/06/05/Pirates-select-high-school-shortstop-Tucker-in-first-round-of-MLB-draft/stories/201406050357|title=Pirates select high school shortstop Tucker in first round of MLB draft|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date=June 5, 2014|access-date=April 23, 2019}} He signed on June 12, 2014 for a signing bonus worth $1,800,000,{{cite web|url=http://www.piratesprospects.com/2014/06/pirates-agree-with-cole-tucker-for-1-8-m.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726163627/http://www.piratesprospects.com/2014/06/pirates-agree-with-cole-tucker-for-1-8-m.html|archive-date=July 26, 2014|title=Pirates Agree With Cole Tucker For $1.8 M – Pirates Prospects|date=June 9, 2014}} and spent 2014 with the Gulf Coast League Pirates,{{Cite web |url=http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140609&content_id=78977398¬ebook_id=78985084&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit |title=First-round pick Tucker agrees to terms with Bucs |access-date=June 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714125704/http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140609&content_id=78977398¬ebook_id=78985084&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |url-status=dead }} where he batted .267 with a .724 OPS. He had been committed to play college baseball for the Arizona Wildcats.{{cite web|last=Bartel |first=Jason |url=https://www.azdesertswarm.com/arizona-baseball/2014/6/10/5798270/arizona-wildcats-baseball-mlb-draft-signings-cole-tucker-michael-kopech |title=Arizona's two first-round commits sign pro deals |publisher=Azdesertswarm.com |date=June 10, 2014 |access-date=April 24, 2019}} Tucker spent 2015 with the West Virginia Power where he posted a .293 batting average along with 25 stolen bases and 13 doubles.{{cite web|title=Cole Tucker|url=https://www.milb.com/player/cole-tucker-657061|website=Minor League Baseball|publisher=Minor League Baseball|access-date=August 1, 2020}} Tucker returned to the Power in 2016, and was later promoted to the Bradenton Marauders, where he batted a combined .242 with two home runs and 27 runs batted in (RBIs) between both teams. In 2017, he began the season with Bradenton and was promoted to the Altoona Curve in July. In 110 total games, Tucker posted a .275 batting average, six home runs, 50 RBIs, and 47 stolen bases in the 2017 campaign.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/player/cole-tucker-657061|title=Cole Tucker Stats, Highlights, Bio – MiLB.com Stats – The Official Site of Minor League Baseball|access-date=November 18, 2017}}

MLB.com ranked Tucker as Pittsburgh's fifth-best prospect going into the 2018 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/pirates-2018-top-30-prospects-led-by-keller/c-266878356?tid=151437456|title=New No. 1 Keller leads Pirates Top 30 Prospects list|work=MLB.com|access-date=February 22, 2018}} The Pirates added him to their 40-man roster after the season.{{cite web|last=Berry |first=Adam |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/pirates-add-four-prospects-to-40-man-roster/c-300995322 |title=Pirates add four prospects to 40-man roster |work=MLB.com |date=November 20, 2018 |access-date=April 24, 2019}} He opened the 2019 season with the Indianapolis Indians. On April 20, he was called up to the major league roster.{{cite news |last1=Bumbaca |first1=Chris |title=Pirates' Tucker, Reynolds get the call |url=https://www.milb.com/news/pittsburgh-pirates-cole-tucker-bryan-reynolds-get-the-call-306440868 |access-date=June 20, 2022 |publisher=Minor League Baseball |date=April 20, 2019}} He made his major league debut that afternoon versus the San Francisco Giants. During that game Tucker got his first major league hit in his third at bat, hitting a two-run home run off Derek Holland over the center field wall at PNC Park to give the Pirates a 3–1 lead. The home run became the game-winning hit after the game was called due to rain.{{cite web|url=https://www.abc15.com/sports/best-day-of-my-life-mountain-pointe-alum-cole-tucker-hits-game-inning-home-run-in-1st-mlb-game|title=Mountain Pointe alum hits game-winning home run in 1st game|date=April 21, 2019|website=KNXV|access-date=April 24, 2019}} In June, the Pirates optioned Tucker to Indianapolis.{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/news/tucker-taking-option-to-indianapolis-in-stride-308044654 | title=Tucker Taking Option to Indianapolis in Stride }}

In 2020, the Pirates played Tucker as an outfielder,{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cole-tucker-feeling-more-confident-in-outfield|title=Tucker gaining confidence, range in outfield|website=MLB.com}} as he slashed .211/.266/.361.{{Cite web|url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2021/03/24/pirates-cole-tucker-miguel-yajure-troy-stokes-sean-poppen-spring-training/stories/202103240122|title=Cole Tucker among most recent players cut from Pirates camp|website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette}} The Pirates optioned Tucker to Indianapolis to start the 2021 season. He played in 13 games for the Pirates in May and July, and another 30 games after he was recalled in August. In 2021, he batted .222/.298/.342 in 43 games.{{Cite web|url=https://triblive.com/sports/pirates-a-to-z-cole-tucker-finally-found-his-groove-at-the-plate-now-must-find-a-position/|title = Pirates a to Z: Cole Tucker finally found his groove at the plate, now must find a position|date = December 2021}}

File:Cole Tucker (41300839315).jpg

In 2022, Tucker appeared in 18 games for the Pirates, playing second base, shortstop, and right field. He batted .175 before being optioned to Indianapolis on May 12.{{cite web | url=https://triblive.com/sports/cole-tuckers-demotion-from-pirates-to-triple-a-opens-door-for-rodolfo-castro/ | title=Cole Tucker's demotion from Pirates to Triple-A opens door for Rodolfo Castro | date=May 12, 2022 }} The Pirates designated Tucker for assignment on May 30.{{Cite web |title=Pirates Designate Cole Tucker For Assignment |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/05/pirates-designate-cole-tucker-for-assignment.html |access-date=2022-05-30 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |date=May 30, 2022 |language=en-US}}

=Arizona Diamondbacks=

On June 5, 2022, the Arizona Diamondbacks claimed Tucker off of waivers and optioned him to the Reno Aces of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League.{{cite web | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/arizona-diamondbacks-claim-cole-tucker-from-pittsburgh-pirates/ | title=Diamondbacks claim Cole Tucker from Pirates | website=CBS News | date=June 5, 2022 }} On July 8, he was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to the Triple-A Reno Aces.{{cite web |title=Diamondbacks Outright Cole Tucker |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/07/diamondbacks-outright-cole-tucker.htmll |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en |last=McDonald|first=Darragh|date=July 8, 2022|access-date=July 8, 2022}} In 35 games for Reno, Tucker slashed .237/.297/.325 with two home runs, 13 RBI, and four stolen bases. He elected free agency following the season on November 10.{{Cite web|title=2022-23 Minor League Free Agents For All 30 MLB Teams|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2022-23-minor-league-free-agents-for-all-30-mlb-teams/?amphtml|access-date=December 30, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|language=en}}

=Colorado Rockies=

On December 7, 2022, Tucker signed a minor league deal with the Colorado Rockies.{{cite news |last1=Anthony Franco |title=Rockies, Cole Tucker Agree To Minor League Deal |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/12/rockies-cole-tucker-agree-to-minor-league-deal.html |access-date=December 28, 2022 |work=MLB Trade Rumors |date=December 7, 2022}} He began the 2023 season with the Triple–A Albuquerque Isotopes, playing in 58 games and hitting .311/.420/.460 with 5 home runs and 34 RBI. On August 7, 2023, the Rockies selected Tucker's contract, adding him to the major league roster.{{Cite web|title=Rockies' Cole Tucker: Joins big club|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rockies-cole-tucker-joins-big-club/amp/|access-date=August 7, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} In 3 games for Colorado, he went 3–for–7 with 2 RBI and a walk. On August 14, he was designated for assignment following Sean Bouchard's activation from the injured list.{{Cite web|title=Rockies' Cole Tucker: Designated for assignment|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rockies-cole-tucker-designated-for-assignment/amp/|access-date=August 15, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Albuquerque on August 17.{{Cite web|title=Rockies Outright Cole Tucker|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/08/rockies-outright-cole-tucker.html|access-date=August 18, 2023|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=August 17, 2023 |language=en}} On September 5, Tucker was selected back to the major league roster.{{Cite web|title=Rockies' Cole Tucker: Selected from Triple-A|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rockies-cole-tucker-selected-from-triple-a/amp/|access-date=September 5, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} He was designated for assignment a second time on September 11, after Kris Bryant was activated from the injured list.{{Cite web|title=Rockies' Cole Tucker: Removed from 40-man roster|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rockies-cole-tucker-removed-from-40-man-roster/amp/|access-date=September 12, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} Tucker was again outrighted to Albuquerque after clearing waivers on September 14.{{Cite web|title=Rockies' Cole Tucker: Outrighted to Triple-A|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rockies-cole-tucker-outrighted-to-triple-a-899579/amp/|access-date=September 16, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} On October 4, Tucker elected free agency.{{Cite web|title=Cole Tucker: Becomes free agent|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/cole-tucker-becomes-free-agent/amp/|access-date=October 4, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}

=Los Angeles Angels=

On January 28, 2024, Tucker signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/01/mariners-sign-cole-tucker-to-minors-contract.html | title=Mariners Sign Cole Tucker to Minors Contract | date=January 28, 2024 }} Unable to make the Mariners roster during spring training, he was granted his release on March 18.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/03/mariners-release-cole-tucker.html|title=Mariners Grant Cole Tucker His Release|date=March 18, 2024|website=MLB Trade Rumors}}

On April 10, 2024, Tucker signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Angels.{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2024-04-10/p-2 | title=Transactions }} In 10 games for the Triple–A Salt Lake Bees, he batted .313 with one home run and five RBI. On April 29, Tucker had his contract selected to the major league roster.{{Cite web|title=Angels Designate Aaron Hicks For Assignment, Select Cole Tucker|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/04/angels-designate-aaron-hicks-for-assignment-select-cole-tucker.html|access-date=April 29, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=April 29, 2024 |language=en}} In 24 games, he hit .180/.263/.300 with three RBI and three stolen bases. On June 17, Tucker was designated for assignment by the Angels.{{Cite web|title=Angels Designate José Suarez, Cole Tucker For Assignment|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/06/angels-designate-jose-suarez-cole-tucker-for-assignment.html|access-date=June 17, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=June 17, 2024 |language=en}} He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Salt Lake on June 20.{{Cite web|title=Angels Place Jose Soriano On Injured List, Outright Cole Tucker|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/06/angels-place-jose-soriano-on-injured-list-outright-cole-tucker.html|access-date=June 20, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=June 20, 2024 |language=en}} Tucker elected free agency on October 1.{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2024-10-01 | title=Transactions }}

On May 20, 2025, Tucker announced his retirement from professional baseball.{{Cite web|title=Former Pirates 1st-round pick Cole Tucker retires from MLB|url=https://www.fangraphs.com/players/eguy-rosario/19964/stats?position=3B|access-date=May 27, 2025|website=audacy.com|language=en}}

Personal life

Tucker grew up as a fan of the Arizona Diamondbacks.{{Cite web|url=https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2019/05/15/cole-tucker-home-run-phoenix/|title='A Dream Come True' Pirates Rookie Cole Returns Home, Hits Home Run|date=May 19, 2019}} His father is African American and his mother is European American.{{cite web | last=Biertempfel | first=Rob | title='It's become my thing': Cole Tucker's amazing hair sets the tone for his image | website=The Athletic | date=2020-03-30 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1706170/2020/03/30/its-become-my-thing-cole-tuckers-amazing-hair-sets-the-tone-for-his-image/ | access-date=2025-02-16}} His brother Carson was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the first round of the 2020 Major League Baseball draft.{{Cite web|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/06/08/mountain-pointes-carson-tucker-hopes-follow-cole-tuckers-mlb-path/5322097002/|title=Mountain Pointe's Carson Tucker hopes to follow brother Cole's path to MLB|first=Richard|last=Obert|website=The Arizona Republic}}

In 2020, Tucker began dating actress Vanessa Hudgens.{{cite news|url=https://nypost.com/2020/11/23/vanessa-hudgens-linked-to-pirates-cole-tucker-twitter-reacts/|title=Twitter stunned by Pirates player Cole Tucker being linked to Vanessa Hudgens|last=Hendricks|first=Jaclyn|date=November 23, 2020|work=New York Post|access-date=June 6, 2024|archive-date=November 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123165740/https://nypost.com/2020/11/23/vanessa-hudgens-linked-to-pirates-cole-tucker-twitter-reacts/|url-status=live}} The pair married on December 2, 2023, in Tulum, Mexico.{{cite web | last=Blanchet | first=Brenton | title=Vanessa Hudgens Marries Professional Baseball Player Cole Tucker in Mexico: Sources | website=People.com | date=2023-12-04 | url=https://people.com/vanessa-hudgens-marries-cole-tucker-in-mexico-7511190 | access-date=2025-02-16}} The couple had their first child in late June or early July 2024.{{cite web | title=Vanessa Hudgens and Cole Tucker welcome their first child | website=The Times of India | date=2024-07-04 | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/english/hollywood/news/vanessa-hudgens-and-cole-tucker-welcome-their-first-child/articleshow/111490466.cms | access-date=2025-02-16}}