When Kyle Tucker signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, one of the factors he admitted that “somewhat” influenced his decision was a preference to not be the center of attention.
Joining the Dodgers’ star-studded roster was enticing because it meant that Tucker seemingly wouldn’t have as much pressure to perform and the spotlight wouldn’t be as bright.
Tucker has cultivated a reputation as someone with a lowkey personality, and that has been found to be true by manager Dave Roberts.
“You know? I think I’ve given up already on trying to read him,” Roberts quipped. “I really have. I think that’s just who he is, and it’s not personal to anybody. And he’s got a lot of things going on and trying to perform and prepare. But yeah, just doesn’t give anyone a whole lot.”
Roberts has tried to learn more about one of his new players, but he has also been mindful of giving Tucker his space.
“I like, pushed him after, like in lieu of a handshake, I just pushed his chest and got him to smile a little bit,” Roberts said of engaging Tucker following his walk-off hit. “He likes talking watches. He likes talking about his family. But yeah, outside of that, I kind of just leave him be.”
The Dodgers’ skipper believes Tucker will eventually find his footing in the clubhouse.
“I think he’ll start to loosen up as time goes on. I do. I think even Shohei, when he first got here was a little bit more reserved compared to where he’s at now,” Roberts recalled. So I do think that, yeah, guys are working on him. I think he’ll loosen up and won’t lose that edge that you know he has.”
Kyle Tucker refutes reputation of disliking baseball
Tucker’s demeanor has drawn criticism, with some outside the Dodgers organization suggesting he dislikes baseball. The 29-year-old doesn’t agree with that assessment but noted he is unbothered by the outside noise thanks to a self-assured attitude and having the confidence of his teammates.
“But I know who I am and everyone in the clubhouse knows how I go about my day,” he said earlier this year. “That’s all that really matters, trying to keep it close within the clubhouse and guys you work with on a daily basis. I’m excited to join that.”
Tucker also has the confidence of the Dodgers front office. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Tucker’s commitment and work ethic came through clearly through their conversations during free agency negotiations.
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