Kyle Tucker, the Los Angeles Dodgers' major offseason acquisition with a $240 million contract, is currently struggling at the plate, hitting only .246 this season. Despite his high average annual value, he has become the team's least productive hitter.
Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Kyle Tucker (23) hits an RBI single against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Kyle Tucker (23) hits an RBI single against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Even on a team as star-studded as the Los Angeles Dodgers, somebody has to be the worst hitter on the team.
Surprisingly, though, itâs the teamâs biggest offseason acquisition and the player whoâs set the record for the contract with the highest average annual value.
So whatâs going on? Maybe heâs just trying too hard.
Whatâs Holding Back Kyle Tucker at the Plate?
Manager Dave Roberts was asked just that question on Sunday and said heâs seeing Tucker chase too many low pitches.
âHeâs getting out of his zone, I see. Heâs not a guy who typically chases down below, but heâs chasing a lot more down below for me,â Roberts said.
Tucker is more of a âhigh ball hitter,â Roberts added, and once Tucker returns to his comfort zone, he can work with hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc on cleaning up any mechanical issues.
âTypically when guys chase, theyâre trying to do a little bit too much,â Roberts added.
Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Kyle Tucker (23) hits an RBI single against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Kyle Tucker (23) hits an RBI single against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
How is Kyle Tucker Playing in 2026?
In addition to the aforementioned issues with his batting average, Tucker has only nine RBIs and one home run so far this year.
His only two multi-hit games were April 3 and 4 against the Washington Nationals.
Tucker is also striking out more than he typically has in his career â Baseball Savant puts him in the bottom 40% of MLB players in this category â and even when he makes contact, itâs not solid.
His barrel percentage is in the 13th percentile, and his squared-up percentage is in the 20th percentile.
Granted, some of Tuckerâs offensive struggles are offset by his defense, as heâs in the 86th percentile for fielding run value.
But for the highest annual salary in the sport, you expect production both offensively and defensively.
Q&A
What is Kyle Tucker's current batting average in the 2026 season?
Kyle Tucker is currently hitting .246 in the 2026 season.
How much is Kyle Tucker's contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers worth?
Kyle Tucker signed a $240 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Why is Kyle Tucker considered the worst hitter on the Dodgers team?
Kyle Tucker is considered the worst hitter on the Dodgers due to his low batting average of .246, despite being the team's biggest offseason acquisition.
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