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Kyle Tucker is overdue for a break.
The outfielder signed a four-year, $240 million contract with the Dodgers in January, with opt-outs after the 2027 and 2028 seasons. He received a $64 million signing bonus and has $30 million deferred between 2027 and 2029. After factoring in these deferrals, Tucker earns $57.2 million in average annual value, making him the most expensive position player in the sport.
Tucker’s performance hasn’t matched his price tag. Overall, he’s slashing .230/.326/.366 across 484 plate appearances. His 99 DRC+ isn’t that bad—at least, if you’re willing to compare it to 2025 Michael Conforto—but again, you’d expect more from a guy who’s earning more annually than every player not named Shohei Ohtani. Between 2021-25, Tucker registered 135 DRC+, swiped 105 bags, and earned a Gold Glove in 2022. The Dodgers were hoping they signed the Kyle Tucker who would hit at least 20 home runs per season, post an OPS above .800, steal 15 or so bases, and provide above-average defense in right field. Even in a worst-case scenario, the club had to feel like they could treat the position as solved.
Tucker has never been a flashy player à la Ronald Acuña Jr., Corbin Carroll, or Wilyer Abreu. His value came from doing boring things well: getting on base, controlling the strike zone, and squaring up the ball.
