The Los Angeles Dodgers will be looking for a significant return on investment from outfielder Kyle Tucker and pitcher Edwin Díaz in the upcoming season. Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes acknowledged that while the pair showed improvement in the postseason, their overall performance fell short of expectations given their substantial contracts.
"That’s a pretty good outcome for us," Gomes stated at a recent news conference, referring to their playoff contributions. Tucker was acquired for $240 million and finished the regular season with a .233 batting average. Díaz, signed for $69 million, struggled with an 8.68 ERA during an injury-plagued season.
Gomes noted that the team was able to secure a division title and a first-round bye with less-than-ideal production from Tucker and Díaz. He highlighted their roles in the Dodgers' advance to the National League Championship Series as a positive sign.
However, the article points out that the Dodgers, having invested $309 million in the two players, should expect more than just complementary contributions or surprising performances. They were intended to be foundational pieces of the team.
Potential changes in the collective bargaining agreement, possibly including greater cost-control measures, could limit the Dodgers' ability to supplement their roster through free agency. This would place increased importance on Tucker and Díaz performing to their contract levels.
Gomes pointed to their postseason play as evidence of their potential. Tucker led the Dodgers in playoff hitting with a .333 average and a .938 OPS. His crucial home run in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Braves and a key walk in Game 4 helped propel the team forward. Díaz, after recovering from elbow surgery and a neck injury, reclaimed his role as closer, securing wins in Games 3 and 4 of the NLDS.
"While the regular season did not go the way anyone expected, their contributions in the postseason were massive," Gomes said.
Both players showed signs of recovery late in the regular season. Tucker batted .333 with five home runs in his final 17 games. Díaz, after missing significant time, pitched five scoreless innings in five September appearances.
The Dodgers anticipate Tucker, a left-handed hitter, to provide more consistent balance to an aging lineup. Shohei Ohtani faced challenges returning to full pitching capacity, Freddie Freeman dealt with knee issues, and Max Muncy's role was reduced due to struggles against left-handed pitching. Tucker is expected to be a more reliable left-handed presence throughout the entire season next year.
Díaz is slated to anchor a bullpen that will require rebuilding, as several key relievers are set to become free agents. Having a healthy and effective Díaz as the established closer would allow manager Dave Roberts to manage other bullpen arms more effectively.
"Edwin being fully healthy and Kyle having a year to adjust and continue to build off what he did toward the end of the season, the same thing with Edwin, we’re really looking forward to next year with those guys," Gomes added. Despite any leniency in evaluation, the Dodgers will need greater consistency from Tucker and Díaz in the upcoming season.