Kyle Tucker: Nothing’s Going Right

Kyle Tucker was the big fish to land last winter during free agency. In the end, the former Cub and Astro took the bait from the Los Angeles Dodgers, signing a four-year, $240 million deal. That was a huge amount of money, but hey, the Dodgers really wanted him—at any cost, it seems!

A few months later, you can bet the teams that lost out on the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes are very happy to have finished second. The outfielder isn't having a season that lives up to expectations—or to his talent—and let's just say it's been particularly tough for him on the field at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium. 

As proof, Los Angeles just wrapped up a four-game home series against the Brewers, and Tucker finished the series with a dismal 0-for-19 batting line. In Sunday's game, he committed a defensive error on a routine play in the ninth inning. Since the start of the year, his batting average at home is just .189. To make matters worse, he's even started getting booed by his own fans.

Clearly, something isn't right.

Does he even like baseball?

It's a fair question. During his brief stint in Chicago, many questioned his dedication to the game. No one was exactly heartbroken when he left the Windy City. The guy always seems nonchalant, whether he's wearing a Cubs or Dodgers uniform. He wasn't quite as bad in his Astros uniform—but then again, he was younger and more spirited back then.

Will Kyle Tucker become Major League Baseball's Anthony Rendon 2.0? There are parallels to be drawn. Both players seem to have lost the fire that drove them after winning the World Series. They lost that fire after signing their massive contracts. Both signed as free agents in markets with several big names, likely to ensure the pressure wasn't entirely on them. Trout, Pujols, and Ohtani with the Angels in 2020 for Rendon. Ohtani, Betts, Freeman, and all the others in the case of No. 23. After all, it's easier to hide behind other big names than to face the music.

The big problem with Tucker is that he isn't even 30 yet. That's young to have reached this point in his career, if that's the case.

October is fast approaching, and Dave Roberts can't afford to put a player in his lineup who's batting just .189 at home in the playoffs. Tucker had better figure out what's wrong with his game quickly. He's got good teammates to help him—unless he doesn't even want their help…

Created by humans, assisted by AI.