The Dodgers just got deeper-and louder-in the outfield.
Coming off a strong 2024 campaign, Teoscar Hernández made a solid first impression in Los Angeles. But the postseason spotlight has a way of magnifying flaws, and for Hernández, it was his glove in right field that drew the wrong kind of attention. Now, with the Dodgers making a splash by signing four-time All-Star Kyle Tucker, the outfield alignment is getting a significant shake-up.
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed what many had speculated: Tucker will take over right field duties, pushing Hernández to left and slotting Andy Pagés into center. It’s a move that isn’t just about defense-it’s about maximizing the offensive firepower of a lineup that already led the National League in production last season.
“Kyle Tucker will be in right field. Teo will be in left field.
And Andy will be in center field,” Roberts said during Tucker’s official introduction. As for the top of the lineup?
That’s still under discussion. Roberts noted he’ll be talking with Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Tucker to sort out the batting order, but early signs point to Tucker hitting second or third.
That’s a potent spot for the Dodgers’ newest weapon.
Tucker arrives in Los Angeles on a four-year, $60 million deal-making him the highest-paid position player in Major League Baseball. And while the money is eye-catching, it’s the fit that has Dodgers fans buzzing. A left-handed bat with power, plate discipline, and postseason experience, Tucker brings the kind of all-around game that can tilt October matchups.
For Tucker, the decision to join the Dodgers wasn’t rushed-and it wasn’t just about the paycheck.
“It’s a big decision, so you still got to weigh out everything,” Tucker said. “But this team and this city and the fan base kind of make it a little bit easier to make some decisions. That is just ultimately what we wanted to do-come here and be part of that and try to win another World Series.”
Tucker knows what it takes to win. He was a key cog in the Astros' 2022 World Series run and has quietly been one of the most consistent hitters in the game over the past several seasons.
He compiled 22.8 bWAR during his seven-year stint in Houston before being traded to the Cubs ahead of the 2025 season. In Chicago, he posted a .266/.377/.464 slash line with 22 home runs, 73 RBIs, and a 143 OPS+ across 136 games.
Now, he joins a Dodgers team that’s already stacked with stars-and expectations. His presence gives Roberts even more flexibility in constructing a lineup that includes Betts, Freeman, and Hernández, not to mention young talent like Pagés.
The defensive realignment might raise some eyebrows, especially with Hernández shifting away from his natural right field spot. But after some postseason miscues, the move makes sense. Tucker is a more reliable defender with a strong arm, and putting him in right allows the Dodgers to tighten things up without sacrificing offense.
For Hernández, this isn’t necessarily a demotion-it’s a chance to reset. His bat still plays, and if he can settle into left field, the Dodgers' outfield could become one of the most balanced units in the league.
As for the leadoff spot? That remains one of the few questions left unanswered. With Betts, Freeman, and now Tucker all capable of setting the tone, Roberts has options-and that’s a good problem to have.
One thing’s clear: the Dodgers didn’t just add a bat. They added a proven winner with a championship mindset, and they’re building a roster designed to go deep into October. Again.