SWEET RELIEF!

How MLB could provide Astros golden ticket for Kyle Tucker extension

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred spoke this week about the possibility of limiting the length of contracts in baseball that have seemingly gotten out of hand in recent years.

Astros owner Jim Crane has been known for avoiding these long-term mega deals that hardly ever work out for the team.

But if MLB is successful in putting a cap on the length of these deals, that could be good news for Astros fans hoping to keep star slugger Kyle Tucker in a Houston uniform.

Be sure to check out the video above as we discuss the likelihood of this change taking place, and what concessions the owners would have to make to get the MLB Players Association to agree to the deal.

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The Houston Astros haven't counted on their catchers to deliver much offensive production in recent years, with defensive specialist Martin Maldonado being their primary catcher for the last few seasons. But top hitting prospect Yainer Diaz is making a case to get more playing time behind the plate and at first, based on his ability to swing the bat.

Until recently, he hasn't been able to get any meaningful playing time. Even David Hensley, who was optioned to Sugar Land a few weeks ago, has more plate appearances than Diaz this season.

So how does manager Dusty Baker find more opportunities for Diaz? Should he use him more often as a DH, along with getting time at first base and catcher?

And what does that mean for Jose Abreu, Martin Maldonado, and to a lesser extent, former first round pick and Sugar Land Space Cowboy catcher, Korey Lee?

Plus, considering how good the Astros outfielders have been this year, does the team need to grab another bat before the trade deadline?

Don't miss the video above as we break it all down!

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Listen to The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein weekday mornings on ESPN 97.5 and 92.5 FM.

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