Tribe signs No. 1 pick Tucker

Team also inks two others

The Indians on June 26 signed three of their 2020 draft picks, including first-round pick Carson Tucker.

Tucker, an 18-year-old shortstop from Phoenix, was Cleveland’s selection at No. 23 overall in the 2020 MLB Draft. He attended Mountain Pointe High School.

Also signed by the club were Florida International left-handed pitcher Logan Allen (Round 2, No. 56 overall) and Vanderbit right-handed pitcher Mason Hickman (Round 5, No. 154 overall).

Tucker dominated the high school scene in Phoenix and was a Rawlings Perfect Game preseason All-America pick. In 92 games during his four years, he hit .390 with 68 RBI, 20 doubles, nine triples and five home runs. Tucker is 6-foot-2, 180 pounds.

“There’s a lot to like about Carson,” Scott Barnsby, the Indians director of amateur scouting, said at the conclusion of the first day of the draft. “For us, he fits an above-average offensive profile. He’s a well above-average runner and has an impressive tool set — hands, feet and action to stay at shortstop. He has plenty of arm strength to stay there.”

Tucker had been committed to the University of Texas.

Allen, 21, posted a career ERA of 3.33 in three seasons at FIU with 246 strikeouts in 183 2/3 career innings.

He was 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA before the season was canceled.

Hickman is also 21 and delivered a memorable performance in his team’s College World Series-clinching win against Michigan in 2019. In that game, Hickman struck out 10. His career mark at Vanderbilt was 19-2 with a 3.13 ERA in 29 starts.

“There’s a lot to like about Carson. For us, he fits an aboveaverage offensive profile.”

Scott Barnsby, Indians director of scouting