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Los Angele Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker has gotten off to a slow start in 2026 after signing his record-breaking $240 million deal.
Tucker was the prize of free agency for many contending teams, including the Dodgers’ 2025 World Series foe, the Toronto Blue Jays.
However, it was the Dodgers’ high average annual value offer over four years that eventually secured his signature.
The Dodgers had a major outfield need, and Tucker was the best option on the market, making him a natural fit for the big-market team.
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Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Kyle Tucker (23) bats against the Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
He has been a consistent player who has put multiple consecutive seasons of over 4.0 fWAR, making him one of the most reliable players in the game.
His steadiness, despite lacking true superstar-level peaks, made him sought after as a high-floor player who could help any team over the course of a season.
However, he has not been his typical self in his first 16 games with the Dodgers.
Kyle Tucker’s slow start with the Dodgers
Tucker is slashing .237/.352/.305 with a home run and nine RBIs. He has three stolen bases, but he is only valued at 0.3 fWAR on the year. He is above-replacement level, but his value is primarily centered on his defense.
More concerning, Tucker has a 95 wRC+, a run creation metric where 100 is the league average. He has walked 11 times, the most redeeming quality of his batting to start the season.
His batting average is the lowest of his career since his rookie year, while his slugging rate is also the lowest since his first year.
His offensive rating is slightly below average for the year, which accounts for his batting and base-running value.
The Dodgers take on Tucker’s struggles
Hitting coach Aaron Bates believes that Tucker is forcing the issue at the plate, doing too much and trying to swing out of his skis to a certain extent.
“I think he’s probably trying a little bit hard,” Bates told The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya. “He’s just getting settled in a little bit. Everyone’s always trying hard, so I don’t want to say it that way, but it’s more so (that he’s) trying to force it, maybe force hits.”
Dave Roberts notes that Tucker is swinging at a specific pitch uncharacteristically.
“He’s getting out of his zone, I see,” manager Dave Roberts said. “And he’s not a guy that typically chases down below, but he’s chasing a lot more down below, for me.
“Typically when guys chase, they’re trying to do a little bit too much.”
For Tucker, the Dodgers value his on-base ability, which still remains at a good level, and as long as he continues to see pitches well and avoids strikeouts, the team will be more than happy to give him time.
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