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Do the Dodgers Need Kyle Tucker?
Main Photo Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Do the Dodgers Need Kyle Tucker?

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Katherine Wacker  |  Last updated Jan 16, 2026 9:33 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers finally have their right fielder.  They signed free agent Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million deal. Well…it’s not quite official yet. They still have to make a roster move to make room for him. Yet, despite not being the frontrunner, they landed the best available option on the market. Tucker preferred Los Angeles over the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays, but do the Dodgers really need him? Yes, and here’s why.

Believe It or Not, The Dodgers Need Kyle Tucker

Offensive Production

Los Ángeles needs more offensive production from their corner outfielders. Teoscar Hernández and Michael Conforto were not exactly juggernauts at the plate in 2025. Conforto struggled to a .200 batting average last year. You don’t expect the veteran to be Ted Williams with the bat, but you did expect him to at least to hit between .230 and .240 with a little pop. It wasn’t even close to that level of production. To be fair, Hernández wasn’t himself offensively either. It may have been due to injuries or a down year. Whatever the case, Hernández hit for an average in the .230 for most of the year, and it was a far cry from 2024. To add insult to injury, both players had a high strikeout rate.

By contrast, prior to sustaining a hairline fracture in his hand, Tucker was hitting close to .290 with 40 home runs in a year of games. He also gives the lineup length depth and balance. If the new Dodger stays healthy, it is indeed an offensive upgrade.

Error Prevention

In 2024, the Dodgers led the league in defensive proficiency. In 2025, they fell into the middle of the pack. The corner outfielders were a big part of the explanation. Whether it was due to injuries that affected their normal range or poor reads off the bat, there were a lot of fly balls that found outfield grass that should have found leather instead. Defense can be the difference in winning games, not to mention championships. If Hernández hadn’t been replaced in the latter innings of Game Seven of the World Series, the Blue Jays would have rings. Tucker is a defensive improvement.

Recovery Time

It is very clear now that the Dodgers will not have Tommy Edman at the beginning of the 2026 season. At the very least, they do not want to rush him back from the major ankle surgery he had this winter. Furthermore, although a reunion appears likely with Kiké Hernández, he is coming off elbow surgery. Whether he will be ready by Opening Day, is an open question. Without Tucker, Teoscar Hernández would be in left field. Andy Pages would be patrolling center. Alex Call and Ryan Ward would be splitting time in right. Call is not normally an everyday player. Ward is a rookie who will get his first taste of the big leagues when the season arrives. Did the Dodgers pay a pretty penny for their new right fielder? Yes. Did they need an upgrade in the outfield?  Yes. Does it mean another World Series ring? Nothing is guaranteed, but the Dodgers are putting their best foot forward to accomplish it.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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