The Los Angeles Dodgers have become the team everyone loves to hate because they’ve followed a simple blueprint.
While every other team in MLB shies away from spending, they’re not afraid to write big checks. That has gotten them a video game-like lineup, including four-time All-Star Kyle Tucker, their latest big-name addition. However, the former Houston Astros star hasn’t looked like his usual self in La La Land, hitting just .235 with four home runs.
That’s why, after another disappointing outing, manager Dave Roberts finally had to address the elephant in the room.
Dave Roberts addresses Kyle Tucker’s struggles with the Dodgers
“I wouldn’t say disappointed,” Roberts said, per Jack Harris of the New York Post. “I would say I’m probably just hoping that there’s some traction for him and for our sake. He’s working hard. There’s a day where it looks like he’s back and feeling comfortable. Then a couple days where you look at him and it looks like he’s searching again. For me, you just hope he can find something that sticks.”
The Dodgers hoped that Tucker would bring some much-needed left-handed power at the plate, yet he’s posted a .715 OPS. He was one of the biggest fish in free agency this offseason, yet he hasn’t lived up to the expectations and his lofty $240 million contract.
That said, it’s not like the Dodgers have struggled because of his inconsistency. They’re six games ahead of the rest of the pack in the NL West, and their 39 wins are the second most in MLB behind only the Atlanta Braves (41).
That should only be a scary thought for the rest of the league, as they haven’t even gotten the best version of one of the deadliest lefty power-hitters in the game. Once they do, it might be over for the rest of the mortals.