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By Jon Paul Hoornstra
Contributing Sports Writer
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Kyle Tucker's introductory press conference in Los Angeles on held few surprises. The outfielder became the newest member of the Los Angeles Dodgers when his $240 million, four-year contract became official Wednesday.
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Among other things, Tucker revealed he had a chance to catch up with a few of his new teammates either in person or remotely.
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"I saw Mookie (Betts) and Shohei (Ohtani) here today," Tucker told reporters at Dodger Stadium. "I met some of the medical staff and front office, and actually put a name to a face and being able to be in front of them is really cool. A few guys just kind of texted me saying that they’re excited that I’m joining the team and kind of vice versa.
"We were just on FaceTime with Freddie (Freeman) ... he just told me not to do anything stupid. So I was like, “I’m good with that.”
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Tucker's gargantuan contract makes him the highest paid player in MLB in terms of average annual value. He'll make $60 million in the first year of contract, then defer $30 million in salary each of the next three years. He can opt out of the deal after the 2027 and 2028 World Series. He also received a $64 million signing bonus.
The Dodgers designated outfielder Michael Siani for assignment Wednesday to make room for Tucker on their 40-man roster.
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Tucker was flanked by Dodgers executives Andrew Friedman and Brandon Gomes and manager Dave Roberts. Roberts revealed that Tucker will play right field and occupy one of the first three spots in the Dodgers' batting order. Teoscar Hernández is expected to move from right field to left.
A four-time All-Star, Tucker batted .266 with 22 home runs and 73 RBIs in 136 games last year for the Cubs - his only season in Chicago.
In eight major league seasons, Tucker has slashed .273/.358/.507, won a Gold Glove Award, and captured two Silver Slugger Awards. He finished fifth in American League MVP voting in 2023 with the Houston Astros.
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