Dodgers’ New Outfielder Kyle Tucker Adjusting to the Spotlight

PHOENIX – You don’t even need to see Shohei Ohtani to know where he stands in the Dodgers’ hierarchy. Just look for the crowd of fans flocking to him, or listen for the excitement when he’s spotted.

In contrast, Kyle Tucker tends to go about his business quietly.

For any other franchise, the new outfielder—who’s made the All-Star team four times and signed a hefty $240 million contract—would be a focal point. But for the two-time World Series champions, he’s just another player in the mix.

That’s perfectly fine with the 29-year-old Tucker. He spoke about his laid-back approach during his first press conference last month. “I try to play my game no matter the situation,” he mentioned.

When Tucker stepped up for his initial Cactus League at-bat this week, he received a warm welcome. Yet, the cheers for his teammates Miguel Rojas and Will Smith overshadowed his applause.

A few days prior, as Tucker arrived for morning workouts alongside Smith and Freddie Freeman, most fans at the practice field shouted Freeman’s name; some called out for Smith, while Tucker went relatively unnoticed.

Tucker was the last of the notable players to meet the media during spring training, waiting until after a game against the San Diego Padres where he played three innings.

“There’s nothing negative for me or for the guys that I’ve talked to about the way he’s approached it,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. He added, “I love a guy who comes in, loves playing and competing. He just wants to win. He’s not one for self-promotion or flashy sound bites.”

For that, the Dodgers have Ohtani, Freeman, or Mookie Betts. The team is filled with stars—just look at Yoshinobu Yamamoto or Blake Snell. You get the idea.

On a recent day, Rojas was in batting practice with Tucker, who seemed rather reserved. “He came in quiet and calm,” Rojas noted. “He likes to stay in his lane, doesn’t draw too much attention.”

Then Rojas added, “I think he’s a veteran. He knows what he needs to improve on.”

The Dodgers have always brought diverse personalities into their locker room, and Rojas feels Tucker’s mindset will fit in well. “He’s a player we expect to see on the field regularly,” Rojas shared. “You want players eager to compete day in and day out.”

Now on his third team, Tucker expresses comfort with the Dodgers, feeling a connection with his new teammates. “This group makes it easy,” he said. “They’re all true professionals and know how to get things done.”

Tucker has been impressed by the team’s pitching talent, some of which he faced in practice. “It’s a little tough,” he admitted, “but I’m glad they’re on our side.”

He recalled how challenging it was to face Tyler Glasnow. “He was throwing 98 mph, but it felt like 200 mph,” he chuckled.

When asked about his objectives for the camp, Tucker jokingly responded, “Last year I had one hit in spring training, so I hope to get more than that. That’s my goal.”

But underneath the calm exterior, there’s more to Tucker. Perhaps as he settles in, we’ll see more of his personality emerge. It’s really up to him, as the Dodgers already have their share of stars.