WATCH: Kyle Tucker on timing, rhythm, and strike zone mastery

Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - Monday, February 17 2025

Marquee Sports Networks' Jon 'Boog' Sciambi caught up with Kyle Tucker to discuss how he approaches the plate in different hitting circumstances, from hand placement to footwork.

Watch the interview below:

Video summary/cliff-notes:

Routine & Preparation (00:00-00:28): Kyle Tucker discusses his pre-at-bat routine, focusing on simulating at-bats on deck, preparing for fastballs, and mentally zoning in.

Finding the Right Balance (00:28-01:00): He emphasizes the importance of staying calm yet aggressive, maintaining timing, and recognizing pitchers’ strategies to induce weak contact or strikeouts.

Footwork & Rhythm (01:26-01:54): Tucker describes his stance, ensuring his feet are positioned for comfort and alignment, while keeping a rhythmic movement that syncs his hands and body.

Bat Path & Staying in the Zone (02:26-03:26): He focuses on keeping the bat in the hitting zone as long as possible to improve contact and avoid pop-ups or rollovers.

Direction & Purpose (03:52-04:18): Tucker stresses having a clear approach, such as aiming for specific zones (e.g., gap-to-gap), which helps with consistency.

Influence of Ken Griffey Jr. (04:45-05:12): He wore No. 30 because of Griffey, who was a major inspiration growing up.

Family Influence (05:12-05:40): His older brother played baseball, influencing his development and providing early competition that improved his skills.

Confidence & Feel-Good Factor (05:40-06:12): He believes feeling good, even in terms of appearance (shoe game), translates to better performance at the plate.

Strike Zone Judgment (06:12-07:09): He explains his approach to pitch selection, learning to shrink his zone over time to improve decision-making and avoid chasing bad pitches.

Final Thoughts (07:09-End): Tucker reiterates the importance of having a plan, staying within oneself, and refining plate discipline to become a better hitter.

Kyle Tucker nearly took Justin Steele yard in his first swing of live BP 😳 pic.twitter.com/sJr4csbQAf
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) February 17, 2025