LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 24: Kyle Tucker #23 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on in the dugout against the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium on April 24, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to play in the National League Division Series. As the second seed in the National League, Los Angeles didn’t need to play in the National League Wild Card Series.
The Dodgers will play the winner of the National League Wild Card Series between the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres. The Padres won the first game of the series 8-0. San Diego needs to win one more game to advance.
As the Dodgers prepare for the postseason, Los Angeles outfielder Kyle Tucker commented on his struggles after signing his record-breaking contract.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Kyle Tucker Makes Honest Statement Before MLB Playoffs
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 14: Kyle Tucker #23 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after striking out during the eighth inning as William Contreras #24 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws to the mound at Dodger Stadium on August 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
“The expectation of the fanbase and of ourselves is to get to the playoffs and win a World Series,’’ Tucker said to The Athletic (subscription required). “So at the end of the day, if we can get that job done, it doesn’t really matter how you got there, as long as you get there.”
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – JUNE 03: Kyle Tucker #23 of the Los Angeles Dodgers watches from the dugout during the fifth inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on June 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Tucker signed a four-year, $240 million contract with Los Angeles this past offseason. The annual value of his contract is an MLB record.
Tucker can opt out of his contract after the 2027 season if he chooses.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 05: Kyle Tucker #23 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates in the dugout after scoring during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on July 05, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ryan Sirius Sun/Getty Images)
Tucker, 29, had a rough first season with Los Angeles. He will have a chance to redeem himself in October.
In 2026, Tucker posted 0.7 bWAR with a .233/.330/.385 slash line, 17 home runs and 70 RBI over 154 games.
GettyCINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 17: Kyle Tucker #23 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates a home run during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on September 17, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
The Houston Astros selected Tucker with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft.
He made his MLB debut with Houston in 2018.
Tucker remained with the Astros through the 2024 season. The Astros traded Tucker to the Chicago Cubs in the 2024-25 offseason.
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 02: Kyle Tucker #30 of the Chicago Cubs high-fives teammates in the dugout after scoring a run in the second inning against the San Diego Padres in game three of the National League Wild Card Series at Wrigley Field on October 02, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
During his time with Houston, Tucker made three All-Star Teams and won a Silver Slugger and a Gold Glove Award.
He made the NL All-Star Team and won a Silver Slugger Award in his lone season with Chicago. He became a free agent after the 2025 season and signed his deal with the Dodgers.
In his nine big-league seasons, Tucker has posted 28.0 bWAR and an .840 OPS with 164 home runs and 560 RBI.
Jackson Kruse Jackson Kruse covers Major League Baseball for Heavy Sports. He is also the site expert for FanSided's Minnesota Twins site, Puckett's Pond, and writes for Nolan Writin', FanSided's Texas Rangers site. Jackson earned a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Media from Texas State University's School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Before joining Heavy Sports and FanSided, he served as sports editor of The University Star, Texas State University's student-run newspaper. More about Jackson Kruse
0 Comments
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Kyle Tucker Drops Honest Quote Before MLB Playoffs
Please sign in to comment.
0 Comments
Follow this thread
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker made an honest statement to The Athletic before the MLB playoffs.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Kyle Tucker Drops Honest Quote Before MLB Playoffs