Newest Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker is beyond excited to play for the organization. After his introductory press conference, he shared his excitement to play in Dodger blue.
“What’s up Dodgers fans? Excited to be out here in LA. Let’s go win another World Series!”
Tucker also paid a huge compliment to Dodgers fans during his introductory press conference earlier this week.
“Playing here is exciting,” Tucker said. “You can see the fan base really embrace the team, embrace the city, and want to encourage the players to go out there and play at a high level. And I think the players kind of speak for themselves with the play that they do out on the field, winning multiple World Series championships, especially the last two years.”
The 29-year-old All-Star was introduced on Wednesday and is set to play a major role in his first season with the Dodgers. Tucker spent the 2025 season with the Chicago Cubs, his first and only season with the team. Before that, he spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Houston Astros.
Tucker helped lead the Astros to a title in 2022 and has since established himself as one of the best players in the league.
Can Kyle Tucker Fly Under the Radar and Still Elevate the Dodgers?
If eyes weren’t on Tucker before, they certainly will be on him now as he comes to Los Angeles seeking the second World Series title of his career. The mission for the Dodgers this season is simple: Become the first team since the 2000 New York Yankees to three-peat in the sport.
That is a tall order for Tucker and the Dodgers. However, while the Dodgers needed to add Tucker to their roster (regardless of how ridiculous that sounds), they aren’t looking at the Florida native to be a savior or even play at an MVP-type level.
The beauty of adding Tucker is that he could fly under the radar while playing his game, and the Dodgers will be successful if he provides that. If he can replicate what he did for Chicago last season, Los Angeles’ offense and certainly their defense will be far and away better than they were in 2025.
Is Kyle Tucker Still an Elite Two-Way Upgrade for the Dodgers?
Last season, Tucker slashed .266/.377/.464 with a .841 OPS, 143 OPS+, along with 22 home runs, 73 RBIs, and 133 hits. On the defensive side of the ball, he wasn’t his 2022 Gold Glove self, but he could still be an upgrade as he had a .989 fielding percentage and 261 defensive chances, which include putouts, assists and errors.
It remains to be seen whether Tucker can elevate his play on both sides of the ball, but the Dodgers are betting on the All-Star to improve their outfield in 2026.
