Dave Roberts Sees Kyle Tucker As Potential MVP Candidate

The Los Angeles Dodgers made one of the biggest moves of the offseason when they signed Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million contract.

Tucker is coming off an impressive 2025 season with the Chicago Cubs that saw him hit .266/.377/.464 with 22 homers and 73 RBI in 136 games. He earned a fourth consecutive All-Star selection and won his second career Silver Slugger Award.

Tucker is also a former Gold Glove winner and has three top-20 MVP finishes, including 2023 when he placed fifth in American League voting while still a member of the Houston Astros.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Tucker’s five-tool ability and believes he can emerge as a National League MVP candidate in 2026.

“I think there’s another Gold Glove in there,” Roberts said of Tucker. “I think having a lot of people around him, I think there’s more runs scored in there. I think he’s going to have the ability to drive in runs.

“As a coach, you’re trying to make players better. He’s a five-tool player, he loves to compete, loves to play the game, he pours into the community, he’s a smart player, he likes to play, he posts. There’s an inner fire I’ve seen.

“I vetted him with other coaches and managers, which made me personally excited when Andrew and Gomer said this might be a possibility. So I think for me, the coaching staff, we’re just going to try to continue to make him better. Whatever it takes.

“But I do think that Kyle’s mindset on the micro, the day-to-day, just winning a baseball game, that is in line with what we do. Do I think an MVP candidate? Absolutely. Do I think he can win a Gold Glove? Absolutely.”

Tucker has been one of the most productive players at his position over the last five year, averaging 27 home runs, 87 RBI and 5.1 WAR per season.

Tucker will now get to complement a star-studded lineup that includes Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts and Will Smith, among others.

Kyle Tucker shares reason for signing with Dodgers

During his introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium last week, Tucker explained why he was so drawn to the Dodgers.

“It was interesting,” Tucker began. “Obviously, I think very highly of this organization. From the top down, from ownership group to the front office, I think it’s a first-class experience with all of that.

“Playing here is exciting. You can see the fanbase really embrace the team, embrace the city, and want to encourage the players to go out there and play at a high level.

“I think the players kind of speak for themselves with their play on the field and winning multiple World Series championships, especially the last two years. The players kind of speak for themselves in terms of that.

“I don’t know many of them super personally, but more so playing against them, seeing them and talking to them on the field. But this is a great group of guys and I’m excited to join them and have another run at a World Series.”