Kyle Tucker Leaves Dodgers Amid Spring Training

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Mar 3, 2026 2:41 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers made one of the biggest splashes in MLB free agency when they signed Kyle Tucker to a four‑year, $240 million contract. The move addressed one of the organization’s most pressing needs: a reliable corner outfielder who could stabilize the position long-term.

Teoscar Hernandez, re‑signed last winter on a three‑year deal, was expected to fill that role, but defensive struggles and a dip in offensive production last season pushed Los Angeles to pursue a more secure solution.

Tucker fits that description perfectly. The 29‑year‑old posted a .266 batting average, .377 on‑base percentage, .841 OPS, 22 home runs and 73 RBIs across 136 games in 2025, and he instantly became the most impactful addition to a roster already favored to chase a third straight World Series title.

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker.© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Dodgers are Tucker’s third organization after previous stops with the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs. Now entering his first spring training with Los Angeles, he prepares for a season where expectations will be higher than ever, but he will also have the strongest supporting cast of his career around him.

With the World Baseball Classic beginning this week, Dodgers camp has thinned out as several superstars departed to represent their countries. Will Smith is with Team USA, while Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are suiting up for Team Japan.

That left a quieter environment in camp, which made Tucker’s absence on Tuesday stand out, especially since he is not participating in the tournament. Fortunately for Los Angeles, the reason is a positive one.

Tucker left camp to be with his wife as they await the birth of their first child. “Kyle Tucker has been away from Dodgers camp as he and his wife anticipate the birth of their first child,” reported Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.

Kyle Tucker has been away from Dodgers camp as he and his wife anticipate the birth of their first child.

Also, Kiké Hernández (who has been rehabbing at CBR) will head to be around team Puerto Rico for the WBC in coming days. Has already dyed his hair for the occasion.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) March 3, 2026

Tucker now enters his first season in Los Angeles with his family expanding and a new chapter beginning both personally and professionally.

Across eight MLB seasons, he has been a four‑time All‑Star, two‑time Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner, and he brings valuable postseason experience as a 2022 World Series champion. The Dodgers believe he can be a defining piece of their next title run, and his arrival signals just how high their ceiling remains in 2026.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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