The Shocking Fall: Why Ex-First-Round Pick Carson Tucker Was Released By The Guardians

Carson Tucker's professional baseball journey has taken a dramatic and unexpected turn, culminating in his release by the Cleveland Guardians organization on July 3, 2024. This stunning move saw the former first-round draft pick abruptly become a free agent, just four years after being selected as the 23rd overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft. His short, injury-plagued tenure in the minor leagues failed to meet the high expectations placed upon him, forcing the Guardians to cut ties and open a new chapter for the young infielder. The release of a first-round talent is a rare and often scrutinized event in Major League Baseball, signaling a significant setback in a player's development trajectory. For Tucker, a shortstop with a promising high school pedigree, the combination of a global pandemic disrupting his debut, persistent injuries, and struggles at the plate ultimately led to a disappointing conclusion with the team that drafted him. As of today, December 11, 2025, the 23-year-old is now looking for a new opportunity to revitalize his career.

Carson Tucker: Full Biography and Professional Profile

Carson Wesley Tucker, a promising young infielder, was once seen as a key component of the Cleveland franchise's future. His professional profile is a testament to the high-risk, high-reward nature of the MLB Draft.

• Full Name: Carson Wesley Tucker
• Date of Birth: January 24, 2002
• Hometown/High School: Phoenix, Arizona / Mountain Pointe High School
• Position: Shortstop (SS), Second Baseman, Third Baseman
• Bats/Throws: Right/Right
• MLB Draft: 2020, Round 1, 23rd Overall Pick (Selected by the Cleveland Indians)
• Signing Bonus: $2.9 million (approx.)
• Professional Status (Current): Free Agent (Released by Cleveland Guardians on July 3, 2024)
• Minor League Teams: Arizona Complex League (ACL), Lynchburg Hillcats (Single-A)
• Career Minor League Batting Average: .197 (across 91 games)

The 2020 Draft Context and the 'Reach' Pick

Tucker's selection in the 2020 MLB Draft was met with some surprise by scouting experts and analysts. He was drafted by the Cleveland Indians (now the Cleveland Guardians) with the 23rd overall pick. The choice was widely considered a "reach" at the time, a strategic move often employed by teams to save money in their allotted bonus pool. By selecting a high school player like Tucker, whose perceived value was slightly below the 23rd pick, the team could potentially allocate the saved bonus pool money to sign other high-value picks later in the draft.

This strategy, while common, places immense pressure on the player. Tucker was expected to develop into a franchise shortstop, but his professional debut was immediately complicated. The 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning Tucker lost an entire year of crucial development and playing time. This lack of immediate immersion into the professional system is believed to have significantly impacted the entire 2020 draft class, but it was particularly detrimental to a high school draftee who needed the reps.

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A Career Derailed: Injuries and Performance Struggles

The primary reasons for Carson Tucker's premature release can be traced back to a combination of persistent injuries and a failure to produce offensively at the Single-A level. His professional career began in the Arizona Complex League (ACL) in 2021, but it was quickly cut short. A hand injury sidelined him after just six games, limiting his ability to establish a rhythm and prove his scouting report.

The injury woes continued. In 2023, while playing for the Single-A Lynchburg Hillcats, he was placed on the 7-day injured list in April. Consistent health issues prevented him from getting the necessary, consistent at-bats required for a young player to adjust to professional pitching. This limited playing time severely hampered his development trajectory and ability to climb the organizational ladder.

When he was on the field, the offensive performance was concerning for a first-round pick. Over the course of his minor league career, which spanned just 91 games, Tucker posted a disappointing career batting average of just .197. His struggles were particularly evident with the Lynchburg Hillcats, where he managed a slash line of .200/.296/.263 across 108 plate appearances. The low on-base percentage (OBP) and slugging percentage (SLG) indicated a lack of both plate discipline and power—two essential components for a middle infielder prospect. The frequent strikeouts further compounded the performance issues, leading the Cleveland Guardians to make the difficult decision to release him in July 2024.

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What’s Next for Carson Tucker: Paths to a Baseball Comeback

As a newly released free agent, Carson Tucker faces a pivotal moment in his young career. While his tenure with the Guardians ended on a low note, his status as a former first-round pick means he still possesses a degree of raw talent that other organizations may be willing to take a chance on. His next move will likely fall into one of two main categories:

1. Independent League Baseball:

One of the most common paths for released minor league players looking to rebuild their value is to sign with an independent baseball league, such as the Atlantic League or the American Association. This environment allows players to compete at a high level without the pressure of an MLB affiliate. It provides an opportunity to play every day, demonstrate renewed health, and put up impressive statistics that could catch the eye of a Major League Baseball organization looking for a low-risk, high-reward Minor League contract. The search results suggest a mention of the Ogden Raptors, an independent team, which could be a potential landing spot.

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2. Signing a Minor League Deal with a New Organization:

Despite his struggles, Tucker is still a young, former first-round talent. A different MLB organization may believe their player development system can unlock the potential that the Guardians could not. A new team might offer him a non-roster invite to Spring Training or a straight Minor League contract, likely starting him at the Single-A or High-A level. A change of scenery, a new hitting coach, and a fresh start could be exactly what the shortstop needs to reset his confidence and focus on his mechanics.

The road ahead for Carson Tucker is challenging, but not impossible. The baseball world is full of stories of players who overcame early setbacks and "bust" labels to find success. His ability to stay healthy and consistently produce at the plate will determine if he can write a successful second chapter to his professional baseball career.