PITTSBURGH (93.7 the Fan) In one of the biggest off-field developments for the Pittsburgh Pirates during the offseason, was how infielder Cole Tucker struck up a relationship with actress Vanessa Hudgens.
During his media availability Friday, Tucker was asked about the relationship and he said that Hudgens will “be around this year.”
Despite a new kind of spotlight on Tucker, he wants to be treated no different than any other player and acknowledges he still has a position to battle for.
“She’s cool. She’s awesome. I love her,” Tucker said. “But I don’t want it to be like, ‘Cole’s dating Vanessa, whatever.’ I don’t want to be treated any differently than Mitch [Keller] having his wife come down or [Ke’Bryan Hayes] having his girlfriend come down.
Tucker is fighting for the starting short top job for the upcoming 2021 NHL season, and that is his main focus.
Shortstop is Tucker’s natural position, but not where he had been used in recent seasons by the Pirates.
Tucker played in 30 games last season, all in the outfield.
As spring training turns into regular season play, Tucker will be fighting for a starting job and will have Hudgens cheering him on.