Dodgers urged to make impossible Kyle Tucker decision thanks to 'unacceptable' performance

The Los Angeles Dodgers have a huge Kyle Tucker problem. 

After signing a four-year, $240 million contract with the NL West club during the offseason, Tucker has been a massive letdown. 

The four-time All-Star is hitting just .221/.321/.350 with 12 home runs and a career-worst .671 OPS. 

To make matters worse, Tucker has, at times, lost focus in right field, which has led to numerous defensive miscues. His lack of hustle on the basepaths is also a concern. 

FanSided's Christopher Kline wrote Tuesday that the Dodgers should consider benching Tucker before the postseason. 

"If the Dodgers want to get truly bold, top prospects Josue De Paula or especially James Tibbs III could be ready to contribute for the stretch run. Both are incredibly productive in the Minors, with real power and poise at the plate," Kline wrote.

"Tucker looks lost at sea, and his body language is unacceptable, but the Dodgers are the one team in baseball designed to survive a misspent nine-figure salary," he added. 

Benching Tucker is easier said than done. When he's right, he can be a very impactful player in the heart of a lineup. 

MORE: Phillies' Jesus Luzardo on track to be best road pitcher in MLB history since 1913

But something is clearly not clicking for the left-handed hitter in his first season in Los Angeles. Last season, Tucker had 4.5 bWAR with the Chicago Cubs. This year, that number is down to -0.1 bWAR. 

Sitting a player with such a high salary may not be something the Dodgers front office is comfortable with. They made a large investment in Tucker, thinking he would help lead them to a third consecutive World Series. 

However, Tucker is clearly doing more harm than good. 

More MLB news:

• Jose Berrios ‘extremely unlikely’ to opt out of $48 million deal with Blue Jays
• Bo Bichette likely not to opt out of Mets $42 million contract
• Blue Jays get realistic prediction to sneak into MLB postseason
• How Reds' Sal Stewart has MLB history on his side for NL Rookie of the Year award
• Kevin McGonigle is runaway favorite to win AL Rookie of the Year for Tigers