In front of Dodgers faithful, Tucker shows exactly why he was signed

The 2025 World Series rings were handed out to the Los Angeles Dodgers prior to the second game of their opening three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. There were a ton of returning players who got their second back-to-back championship, except for two players who had the most impact on the game itself.

It was a 5-4 victory for the Dodgers, but it had to go the distance as the late stages of this game were where all the action was. Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz were key components to the victory, as their eighth and ninth-inning heroics sealed the win. 

Diaz was a spectacle to behold, with his blaring trumpet entrance whilst trotting from the bullpen to the mound, but it was Tucker who really stole the show. You can see why this juggernaut of a squad paid top dollar to bring him in from the Chicago Cubs this offseason. 

Tucker proves he is worth every dollar

Over the offseason, Tucker joined the predicted three-peat champions. The Dodgers needed some help in the otfield and more importantly, he was one of the best bats on the market.

After getting some AL MVP votes in 2022 and 2023 with the Houston Astros, his contribution at the plate has not reached those heights since. But they improved in 2025 as part of the Cubs. Tucker batted 22 home runs and knocked in 73 runs batted in.

The Dodgers had to pay a ton for him, at four years, $240 million, with an Average Annual Value of $60 million. But it worked out as he was able to use his clutch ability to win the game against the Diamondbacks on Friday. In the eighth inning, it was tied 4-4 before Tucker was able to hit a game-winning single to score shortstop Alex Freeland.

That was the difference-maker, leading to a fantastic save by Diaz to get the Dodgers to an early 2-0 on the long season.  You can say that Tucker is fitting in nicely in his new home.