For the second time this offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers became the centerpiece of headlines with another massive free agent signing. First, it was Edwin Díaz. Now, it is Kyle Tucker. 

Tucker will don the Dodger Blue after agreeing to a four-year, $240 million contract, bringing one of baseball’s most coveted free agents off the market. Tucker’s signing brings even more fire power to a prestigious roster in search of a third consecutive World Series title.  

So, how does Tucker fit in with the Dodgers’ current outfield situation? Let us start with what he provides: 

First, Tucker provides an additional boost to a high-octane offense. Last season, the 28-year-old native of Tampa, Fla. hit .266 with 22 home runs and an .841 OPS through 136 games in his lone season with the Chicago Cubs.  

However, it was Tucker’s time with the Houston Astros — specifically from 2021-2024 — when his offensive prowess was on full display.

In that span, he notched multiple 30-plus home run seasons, multiple seasons with 100-plus RBIs and never had an OPS below .800. Despite suffering a right shin fracture in 2024 that sidelined him for months, Tucker still hit .289 with 23 homers and a .993 OPS in just 78 games. 

Tucker has also proven to be a good defender. He has notched three seasons with a fielding percentage of at least .990 when appearing in at least 130 games and decent Outs Above Average metrics. According to Baseball Savant, he also presents good arm value in the 83rd percentile. 

Now, it is worth understanding how Tucker fits into the outfield with his new team: 

Most of Tucker’s career has been spent in the corner positions of the outfield, specifically right field. This begs the question about what Teoscar Hernández's future with the team looks like as the 33-year-old has been a part of Los Angeles’s consecutive World Series titles since arriving in January 2024. 

Despite good production, could the Dodgers choose to move off the remaining money on the three-year, $66 million deal he signed last January in favor of Tucker? 

Andy Pages — the one responsible for the miraculous Game 7 catch in the World Series — and Tommy Edman shared most of the reps in center field last season. In his second MLB season, Pages made a significant offensive leap as he hit 27 home runs with a .272 batting average.  

Beyond his postseason heorics, Pages has proven to be a particularly good defender at all three outfield positions. On paper, his pairing with Tucker can prove to be lethal for opposing teams. 

Left field saw a mix of Kiké Hernández and Pages maintain the position. However, the development of Ryan Ward may give Los Angeles another viable option, meaning Tucker can remain in right field. However things play out, the Dodgers have elevated another position group from good to great with this acquisition. 

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