Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Carson Tucker, a former first-round pick (2020) by the Cleveland Indians who was released after struggling in their farm system, has resurfaced with the San Diego Padres. After signing a minor-league deal in January 2025, Tucker has shown significant improvement at Double-A San Antonio, hitting .352 with 31 hits in 27 games. He previously played 18 games for independent Ogden in the Pioneer League, hitting .323 with 12 RBI. Tucker is also 9-for-9 in steal attempts, demonstrating improved speed and baserunning. His resurgence comes after overcoming hand and forearm injuries that derailed his development with Cleveland.
Strengths
- + Exceptional batting average (.352) at Double-A level
- + Significant improvement trajectory after being released
- + Perfect stolen base success rate (9-for-9)
- + Demonstrated resilience and perseverance after injuries
- + Strong performance in independent league (.323 average)
- + Slender infielder with speed and athleticism
- + Signed with competitive organization (Padres)
Weaknesses
- - History of poor performance in Cleveland system (.150, .137, .200 averages)
- - Previous hand injury (2021) and forearm strain (2022)
- - Lost development time due to 2020 COVID shutdown
- - Competed against loaded middle infield prospect class in Cleveland
- - Limited sample size at Double-A (27 games)
- - Age and time away from professional baseball
About
Carson McCusker is a left fielder for the Chicago Cubs.
Player Overview
LF
Chicago Cubs