It is safe to say that Kyle Tucker’s first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers has been a bit of a letdown thus far after signing a massive contract in the offseason.
The four-time All-Star downplayed the notion that his struggles are because he is dealing with the pressure of playing for a new team after signing his record-setting contract.
However, former Dodgers player Michael Conforto recently discussed the struggles he had trying to prove himself in 2025. It raises the question of Tucker’s struggles this year and how the pressure of a historic contract and the desire to earn his keep on a team full of superstars may be affecting him.
During an appearance on “Dodger Talk with David Vassegh,” manager Dave Roberts said there could be some of the same thing going on with Tucker that affected Conforto.
“It’s certainly a big room. There’s a lot of star power in our room and regardless of who you are, to come into this can be daunting. It’s a very open and friendly clubhouse, but I certainly think as peers, you try to play the comparison game, which is pretty tough,” Roberts said.
“Michael, I guess admitted that a couple weeks ago. We had a good heart-to-heart, probably a little later than it should’ve been. I was always a big fan. It wasn’t for lack of trying and preparation. Just sort of talked to him about getting back to himself and not comparing, and trying to be the athlete and fight for everything you’ve got, because that’s how we get to the big leagues.
“I think it resonated with him. We didn’t get to see the fruits of that in the postseason, but he is having a great year this year.
“I do think Kyle might be in that similar boat. I haven’t had that conversation with him yet. I’m still trying to learn him. As manager, you don’t want to push too much too soon, and sort of push players away. But I’m gaining more information every day with Kyle. I will say, the last couple games, he’s been better.
“We gave him a day off in that Phillies series, I think that was a benefit. So we’ll see. I’m keeping a watchful eye on him.”
Last season, the Dodgers hoped to coax a productive season out of Conforto, but the move did not pan out. He had a couple of productive weeks in 2025, but finished the year batting .199/.305/.333 with 32 extra-base hits in 138 games. Even though Conforto’s tenure not playing out as either side envisioned, the relationship ended on good terms.
Tucker’s performance in 2026 is not nearly as dire. His wRC+, OPS+, and wOBA are all above league average this season, but are well below career norms and not on the level expected of the highest-paid player by average annual value.
The 29-year-old has been swinging it well in the last seven games, hitting .333/.407/.500.
Kyle Tucker not feeling pressure with Dodgers
Tucker remains optimistic that he will turn his season around, and Roberts has continued to credit him for putting in the work.
Overall, he’s hitting .240/.337/.388 with six home runs, 39 RBI, 43 runs scored and a 106 wRC+.
Make sure to follow Dodger Blue on Instagram! It’s the best way to see exclusive coverage from games and events, get your questions answered, and more!
