Kyle Tucker’s Dodgers gamble isn’t paying off yet

The Dodgers handed Kyle Tucker a massive paycheck this year, making him the second-highest-paid player on the team. But so far, his performance hasn’t matched that price tag. He’s struggling to hit, posting a meager . 234 average with just six home runs after nearly 275 at-bats. His usual strengths seem missing, and his stats (. 234/. 331/. 374) fall well short of his career norms. A player who once dominated with a . 851 career OPS now sits at just . 705. Fans are left wondering if this contract will go down as one of the team’s biggest misfires.Tucker isn’t just underperforming—he’s looking rusty in key moments. During a recent 12-1 loss to the Orioles, he went hitless and left runners stranded. Even worse, in a tight game against the same team the day before, he had a golden chance to win it in the ninth inning but struck out instead. His bat speed has also slowed, dropping from 72. 2 mph last year to just 71. 2 mph this season—a small but noticeable decline. His struggles aren’t just about bad luck. His home runs and RBI are down compared to past seasons, and even his speed has dipped slightly. While he’s done better on the road (. 277 average), the Dodgers need more consistency from him at home. Right now, Tucker’s contract feels like a risky bet that hasn’t paid off yet.