Tucker is a huge asset for the Dodgers, who are craving outfield help even before the 2025 regular season. With two All-Stars – Tucker and outfielder Teoscar Hernandez – available to man the corner outfield positions, the Dodgers have a whole new look for their outfield.
More news: Dodgers sign Kyle Tucker to blockbuster deal
Where will Kyle Tucker play for the Dodgers?
Tucker, 28, has spent his entire MLB career in the outfield. He split time between each of the outfield positions during his first handful of seasons in the league, but has functioned exclusively as a right fielder since 2022 – the first year he made the All-Star Game. He has also filled the designated hitter role at times, but LA currently has no need for a designated hitter with reigning MVP Shohei Ohtani manning the spot.
With that in mind, it’s unlikely the Dodgers will force him to change positions, especially since he’s performed at a league-average level or better since the start of his career.
LA’s most likely plan of action is to move Hernandez back to left field, where he spent most of the 2024 season, and have Tucker play in his favored right field.
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Where will Kyle Tucker land in the lineup?
While placing Tucker somewhere in the Dodgers’ lineup is completely speculative, it’s safe to assume he’ll be at the top of the lineup card night in and night out.
The Dodgers were fairly consistent with the top of the lineup last season, mostly using Shohei Ohtani as the lead, followed by Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, and that may not change even with the addition of Tucker.
After them, however, Tucker could absolutely fill in as a cleanup man, hoping to take advantage of base runners early in the game.
Tucker had some of his best numbers last year in 2025 in the first and second inning, posting a .926 OPS with six home runs in the first inning and a .968 OPS with a .318 average in the second inning. If the Dodgers want to capitalize on the All-Star bat they brought in, getting him as many at-bats as possible is paramount.
The Dodgers took a huge step forward toward their 2026 three-peat goal by adding Tucker, and if the slugger can produce for the Dodgers like he has over the last four years, they will certainly be the favorites in the upcoming season.
Photo credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
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