During Tucker’s introductory press conference, Tucker shared with the media that Freeman told him “not to do anything stupid.”
“We were just on FaceTime with Freddie, and he told me not to do anything stupid. I’m good at that,” Tucker said with a laugh. “I’m excited. This is a great group of guys and I’m excited to get to know them a little bit better and start playing with them on the field.”
Tucker recently signed a four-year, $240 million contract with the Dodgers. He is entering his first season in LA, while Freeman is entering his fifth season. The two All-Stars are guaranteed teammates for the next two seasons, as Freeman’s contract runs through 2027, his age-38 season.
It’s unclear if Freeman would want to continue playing at that point, but time will tell.
Tucker also added that he spoke with Shohei Ohtani and Max Muncy prior to his press conference.
“I talked to a few guys. I saw Muncy and Shohei here today and met some of the medical staff and the front office. It was really cool to be able to put a name to a face and be in front of them,” Tucker said. “I got a text from a few guys saying they were excited for me to join the team, and vice versa.”
Will Kyle Tucker replace Freddie Freeman in the Dodgers lineup?
As for Tucker, he has a great opportunity to win the second World Series ring of his career. The 29-year-old enters Los Angeles as one of the best players in the league. The Florida native will do everything he can to get the Dodgers back to the top. His play alone will do wonders for both sides of the ball.
Freeman also knows a thing or two about playing both sides of the ball. The 36-year-old has done it all in his career, winning a Gold Glove Award and becoming a three-time Silver Slugger Award winner.
Although Freeman has been at the top of the Dodgers’ lineup since joining the team, the first baseman could hit lower due to Tucker’s arrival.
Manager Dave Roberts expects Tucker to bat “second or third.”
Freeman and Tucker are ready to do damage together regardless of which order they fall into the lineup. Whatever happens, they will be a fun watch as they look to lead the Dodgers back to the mountaintop.
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