When the Los Angeles Dodgers gave a massive four-year, $240 million contract to Kyle Tucker in the offseason, they expected him to be one of the best three hitters in their lineup.
But so far, Tucker has made a strong case as the worst starting player among the group. He’s hitting just .246/.343/.316 with a 95 wRC+, one home run, 11 runs scored and nine RBI.
The sample size is only 67 plate appearances, and Tucker’s long track record of success suggests he’ll get back to an elite level, but it is surprising to see it from a player of his caliber.
One thing that’s stuck out is an increase of nearly 10% in Tucker’s strikeout rate, from 14.7% last year and 15.9% in his career to 23.9% so far this year.
“I talked to Robert (Van Scoyoc) and he said there’s some things that he’s seeing a little bit,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “He’s getting out of his zone, I see. And he’s not a guy that typically chases down below, but he’s chasing a lot more down below for me.
“This is not a really a good example as far as the guy we faced today, but I think we’ve seen it enough, as far as the last week or whatever, there’s been a lot more chase down below, is what I see.
“I see him as a high-ball hitter, and so I guess a little bit just kind of getting him back into his hitting zone, and then cleaning up a couple of the mechanical things that Robert sees. They’ve had conversations.”
Tucker has posted seven consecutive seasons with a wRC+ above 120, and five in a row above 130, so there’s no real reason to believe his current lack of production will continue. But currently, Roberts sees a player who is perhaps too anxious to make an impact and prove he’s worth the value of his contract.
“I think there’s a little bit to that,” Roberts said. “That’s kind of what I see. Typically, when guys chase, they’re trying to do a little bit too much.”
Kyle Tucker still getting on base
Entering the season, Roberts wanted Tucker to focus on being an on-base machine, which is something he’s done throughout his career.
Even with the early struggles, Tucker has still reached base at a .343 clip, thanks to his 13.4% walk rate. That falls short of his career .358 mark, but it is excellent for a player who is struggling to find rhythm at the plate.
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