The Los Angeles Dodgers officially introduced outfielder Kyle Tucker on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium, announcing a four-year, $240 million deal. Tucker, a four-time All-Star from the Houston Astros, will wear No. 23 and play right field. The move bolsters a lineup aiming for a three-peat after back-to-back World Series titles.
The Dodgers, fresh off consecutive World Series championships, signed Tucker to enhance their already stacked roster without needing the top free agent. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman noted, "When we started the offseason, and talking about various fits on the trade market, free-agent market, there was really nobody that moved our World Series odds for 2026 more than Kyle Tucker."
Tucker donned his new No. 23 jersey during the introduction, choosing it as a tribute to former Astros mentor Michael Brantley rather than his previous No. 30. Manager Dave Roberts wears No. 30 in honor of the late Maury Wills, and Tucker had asked if he could switch but settled on 23. "[He's] a guy I hung out with a lot coming up in Houston," Tucker said of Brantley. "He's a phenomenal ballplayer and one of my close friends. That played a big part in my choice."
In the lineup, Tucker is expected to hit in the top third and shift Teoscar Hernández to left field. A projected full-strength order includes Shohei Ohtani at DH, Mookie Betts at shortstop, Tucker in right, Will Smith catching, Freddie Freeman at first, Hernández in left, Max Muncy at third, Andy Pages in center, and Tommy Edman at second. This adjusts the top previously led by MVPs Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman, with Freeman potentially moving to the cleanup spot in his age-36 season.
Tucker brings accolades as a two-time Silver Slugger, Gold Glover, and participant in seven straight postseasons, including the Astros' 2022 World Series win. Roberts praised him as a five-tool player: "I think there's another Gold Glove in there... Kyle's mindset on the micro, the day to day, just winning a baseball game, that is in line with what we do."
Tucker expressed excitement: "I'm just excited to be a part of that group... working with this group of guys, I think it's gonna make it a lot of fun throughout the whole year."
The signing addresses the outfield need, following the addition of closer Edwin Díaz on a three-year, $69 million deal. Friedman indicated few major changes remain: "In terms of more seismic changes, I think we're pretty well set."
