Kyle Tucker heads to arbitration: Will Astros re-sign World Series champion despite contract dispute?

Will Kyle Tucker be returning to the Houston Astros in 2023? With the deadline for MLB teams to reach contractual agreements with their players gone, a multitude of players will be heading to arbitration hearings to decide on a deal before the season begins.

Kyle Tucker is one such player. The 26-year-old rightfielder has been with the Houston Astros since the 2018 season. In that time, he has hit 73 home runs and 256 RBIs. He had the best season of his career in 2022, launching 30 home runs and 107 RBIs, gaining his first Golden Glove Award in the process.

Following his stellar year, Tucker reportedly asked the Astros for $7.5 million for the 2023 season. The team was unwilling to go above $5 million. Tucker made $764,200 in 2022.

"No settlement, Astros and Kyle Tucker head to arbitration with a $2.5 Million gap." - @ Homemade Takes

Tucker has been a considerable advantage for the Houston Astros, both in the regular season and playoffs. At 6'4", he is a dominant presence positionally and demonstrates a good amount of power in the batter's box.

Tucker was instrumental in the 2022 World Series, hitting two home runs and five RBIs in six games as the Astros rolled over the Philadelphia Phillies to win their second championship in six seasons.

The Houston Astros, however, are already stretched thin. The signing of the 36-year-old Jose Abreu from the Chicago White Sox earlier this offseason is set to cost them $19.5 million in 2023 alone. Moreover, an excess of 50% of their total payroll this season is set to be spent on just four players.

Kyle Tucker's demand of $7 million seems like a drop in the bucket, especially when compared to his teammates like Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman. However, the Astros are spending close to $200 million in luxury tax payments to the MLB. Therefore, the want to mind their expenditures as much as they can.

"WOW! What a catch by Kyle Tucker!!!" - @ FOX Sports: MLB

Arbitration involves the process of the player and team sitting down with a third party to achieve a consensus. If the process stays true to form, there is no reason to believe that Tucker will not be in the Astros' orange come Opening Day.

Kyle Tucker is an important piece of the Astros winning recipe

If 2022 is an example of anything, it is that Tucker is only bound to get better. At only 26, he has posted consecutive 30-home run seasons. The question is not, do they or do they not want Tucker? Instead, it is, do they have the resources to give him what he deserves?