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Somehow, someway, the Los Angeles Dodgers continue to get better.
In the 2023-24 offseason, the Dodgers pried Shohei Ohtani away from the Los Angeles Angels on a historic contract, landed top Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and acquired star pitcher Tyler Glasnow. In 2024-25, they landed another top-end starter in Blake Snell, brought back a power hitter in Teoscar Hernandez, and signed another top Japan arm in Roki Sasaki.
Now, the Dodgers have landed another big fish. Outfielder Kyle Tucker is heading to Los Angeles, Jeff Passan reported Thursday night, as the top position player on the open market this offseason has agreed to join the two-time defending World Series champions. Tucker joins flame-throwing closer Edwin Diaz as the Dodgers' star acquisitions this offseason.
Tucker's decision to join the Dodgers will only stir up more labor talks for a potential 2027 MLB lockout, but regardless, L.A. is set to have a terrific shot at three-peating in 2026 first. With Tucker adding another star-level bat to Dave Roberts' lineup, the possibilities appear limitless for the Dodgers' offense.
Here's a look at L.A.'s updated lineup after signing Tucker.
MORE: Full Kyle Tucker contract details
Dodgers lineup projection with Kyle Tucker
The Dodgers came into the 2025-26 offseason with two needs (if a two-time defending champion has any): a high-end closer and an outfielder. By signing Diaz, they addressed the first need, hoping Roberts won't have to rely on his starters as much as he had to in the 2025 postseason. And by signing Tucker, they have now landed perhaps the best possible option to fill their outfield void.
Assuming Ohtani will leadoff for Roberts again in 2026, Tucker can be expected to lock right into the top of L.A.'s lineup, perhaps as a cleanup hitter. Here's a projection for the Dodgers' Opening Day lineup:
- Shohei Ohtani, DH
- Mookie Betts, SS
- Freddie Freeman, 1B
- Kyle Tucker, RF
- Will Smith, C
- Max Muncy, 3B
- Teoscar Hernandez, LF
- Tommy Edman, 2B
- Andy Pages, CF
It likely isn't an understatement that the Dodgers will have a chance to own one of MLB's all-time best offenses in 2026. In terms of star power, it's easy to pin their lineup against some of the game's best in the modern era, with Ohtani being the megastar of it all.
Between the nine players listed in the Dodgers' projected lineup alone, they have accumulated 32 All-Star appearances and six MVP awards. A Dodgers offense that ranked second in baseball in home runs, runs, walks and OPS in 2025 could be even better with Tucker in 2026.
MORE: Every player committed to Team USA for the World Baseball Classic
What Kyle Tucker brings to Dodgers lineup
Tucker is set to slot into right field, where Teoscar Hernandez had become one of MLB's worst defenders. Defensively, it will be a significant upgrade for Roberts, allowing Hernandez to likely shift over to left field while Andy Pages likely remains in center field.
Of course, it's Tucker's bat that will make the most impact. He can hit for average or power, able to get on base at a rate comparable to the best players in baseball. Alongside Ohtani, Freeman, Betts and more, pitchers won't have many hitters to willingly attack between the top 7-8 names in the Dodgers' lineup.
Tucker's strength is his versatility, as he's one of the few players in baseball who can be considered a five-tool player. He'll be able to fill virtually any role Roberts needs him to on this team — whether driving in a run, getting on base, stealing bases or swinging for the fences, Tucker will bring a higher floor to L.A.'s offense, on top of his plus defensive skills.
Most of all, Tucker is set to only make the players around him better. Pitchers will likely be having nightmares about having to face him, Ohtani, Betts, Freeman, Smith, Muncy and Hernandez in the same lineup.
Historically, the former Cub and Astro has also fared well against NL West opponents.
Kyle Tucker in 83 career games against the Dodgers' NL West opponents:
.276 AVG
.884 OPS
36 XBH
54 RBI
16 SB pic.twitter.com/4EiDebZJJM
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