Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed where All-Star free agency signing Kyle Tucker could bat in the lineup at the outfielder’s introductory press conference.
L.A. signed Tucker to a four-year, $240 million contract Thursday, beating out the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays to fill the vacancy they’ve had in the outfield since Michael Conforto’s departure into free agency at the end of the 2025 season.
Roberts revealed All-Star outfielder Teoscar Hernandez would move back to left field — his primary position during the 2024 season — from right, and that Tucker would hit “second or third” in the lineup next season.
How Will Kyle Tucker Affect the Dodgers’ Lineup?
If Tucker is to bat second or third, as Roberts says, one of Mookie Betts or Freddie Freeman will likely move back in the lineup to make room for the All-Star. Betts and Freeman made up the top of the order alongside Shohei Ohtani for the majority of the 2025 season, and throwing Tucker in that mix adds a whole new level to the top of the Dodgers’ lineup.
Keeping Tucker towards the top of the lineup is a no-brainer for the Dodgers, and even more so when looking at his first-inning splits in 2025. Tucker slashed .279/.394/.532 in the opening frame, recording six of his 22 home runs last season in the first inning.
The outfielder had a solid campaign altogether in 2025, hitting 22 home runs, driving in 73 RBIs and keeping an .841 OPS while playing through a hairline fracture in his hand. He also secured his fourth All-Star appearance and won his second Silver Slugger award last year.
L.A.’s 244 home runs in 2025 ranked second in MLB — only behind the New York Yankees’ 274 — and their addition of a premier power bat is sure to make them one of the best slugging teams in the majors next season.
The Dodgers have made a point to only bring in game changers this offseason, and Tucker is just that. Tucker’s signing is a clear upgrade for the team, but will it be enough to keep the Dodgers on top as they chase their three-peat? Only time will tell.
