PHOENIX –– An Unusual Sales Pitch

It was a standard sales call until one pivotal question turned the conversation.

As Kyle Tucker’s free agency period came to a close, the Dodgers organized a video call, primarily to pitch the team to him.

Accompanied by his wife, Samantha, Tucker listened to Dodgers’ president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, general manager Brandon Gomez, and manager Dave Roberts. They talked about the origins of the Dodgers’ recent success, how star acquisitions are contributing to the team’s growth, and the numerous ways the organization supports its players and their families.

Yet, towards the end of the discussion, Friedman shifted the focus onto Tucker’s role should he join the franchise.

He sensed a budding agreement and mutual interest was developing.

However, for the Dodgers to invest approximately $255 million in him, they needed to address certain aspects.

“It was about fitting into our environment and what the staff was doing to prepare,” Friedman recalled in a discussion with a local publication. “They’ve set a high standard. The question is, can he achieve that?”

Tucker has been impressive over the last six seasons, but the Dodgers believe there’s more to unlock. The 29-year-old two-time Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winner has the 11th-most wins above replacement among position players since 2020, yet he hasn’t had a defining season showcasing his full talent.

“He’s had some great years,” Friedman pointed out.

However, Tucker’s best finish in the MVP race was fifth in 2022, and injuries have hampered his playtime and defensive capabilities in right field, leading to doubts about his overall contributions.

“Given his situation, we see it as entirely feasible for him to be utilized effectively over the season, both offensively and defensively,” Friedman noted. “In our setup, we believe we can help him reach that potential.”

So, during the offseason video call, Friedman posed that significant question.

Months later, when Tucker reflects on his response, he still beams.

“We had an excellent conversation,” Friedman said. “And he really put his best foot forward.”

Gold Glove Aspirations

When asked recently how Tucker can progress as a member of the Dodgers, hitting coach Aaron Bates was somewhat at a loss.

“He’s been a solid player for the last six years,” Bates joked. “Last year, he was arguably the best player in baseball before he got hurt.”

Indeed, when healthy, there’s seldom doubt regarding Tucker’s prowess at the plate.

His disciplined approach made him a highly effective player, leading to fewer than 100 strikeouts in a season. He packs power too, hitting 30 home runs on two occasions, alongside respectable speed with 25 stolen bases three times.

Last season, while playing for the Cubs, Tucker endured a hairline fracture in his hand, affecting his performance significantly in the second half, where he hit just .225/.348/.342 after an impressive start of .291/.395/.537 until June.

The Dodgers are hopeful they’ve managed to address those issues and have high expectations for him as the new No. 2 hitter in the lineup, likely batting between Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman.

“I don’t want to limit his potential, especially as he’s entering his prime,” Bates said. “As long as he remains true to himself, that should be sufficient.”

Thus, the Dodgers are keen for Tucker to concentrate on defending this spring, enhancing his already formidable offensive skills with stronger performances in right field.

This focus was echoed by Roberts, who noted recently that defense was the first area Tucker could improve.

“It’s something he acknowledges he wants to enhance,” Roberts said. “I don’t see why he shouldn’t be in the conversation among the elite right fielders in the league.”

Not too long ago, Tucker’s defense was recognized. He won the Gold Glove Award in 2022, tying for the most saves among MLB right fielders at that time.

However, regression has since been apparent.

For the last three years, MLB’s Statcast has rated his outfield skills and jumping ability as below league average. Last season, he recorded a negative DRS rating, ranking lower than new teammate Teoscar Hernández.

Injuries have certainly played a role, with Tucker missing significant time in previous seasons due to a broken shin and a calf strain last September.

Still, some of his fundamental skills appeared off.

“He emphasized getting back to the basics on defense, noting he’d strayed from his regular routine,” Friedman recalled from their earlier call. “But he’s working on establishing a normal life, which is within our control.”

Tucker himself spoke about this to the media last week, acknowledging the need to refine his skills—from reading the ball off the bat to cutting off hits in the gaps. He mentioned that these aspects, while not always visible in stats, are crucial for team success.

“You can never be perfect in baseball or sports, but there’s always room to grow,” Tucker remarked. “I’m just aiming to improve in every area of my game.”

What would a “better” Tucker look like this year?

“I’m not really sure,” he admitted. “I hope that’s understandable.”

Smooth Adaptation

The Dodgers’ confidence in Tucker stems, in part, from their past with other star players.

In recent years, they’ve brought in prominent figures like Betts, Freeman, and Ohtani, all of whom have adapted smoothly to the team, reinforcing the organizational culture while succeeding on the field.

“There’s certainly a selection bias,” Friedman noted. “The players we commit to long-term tend to share those impressive traits.”

Only time will tell if Tucker can mirror that success. Right now, his contract is short-term, spanning four years with opt-outs after the second and third seasons.

This means he could be back on the market in upcoming offseasons, aiming to leverage his accomplishments with the Dodgers into a lucrative new deal.

However, if things pan out well in Los Angeles, the team could envision re-signing him for a longer term.

“In two years, we’ll have a much clearer picture,” Friedman mentioned during Tucker’s introductory press conference in January after their productive call. “Just because he has the option to opt out doesn’t mean we won’t pursue him.”

So far, Tucker has demonstrated the right attitude and actions, embracing the challenge set forth by Friedman during the recruitment phase and committing to meeting those expectations as he approaches his much-anticipated season with the Dodgers.

“I think he’s an outstanding player,” Roberts commented. “For me, it’s simply about continuing to be yourself and we’ll see where that takes us.”