Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kyle Tucker is experiencing a historically unproductive season, marked by statistical lows not observed in over half a century. Tucker, who signed a four-year, $240 million contract with the Dodgers in the offseason, has become one of the team's least productive players.
According to Codify Baseball, Tucker is the only MLB hitter since the pitcher's mound was lowered in 1969 to maintain an 85-game home span with a batting average below .182, an on-base percentage below .288, and a slugging percentage below .266 over at least 338 plate appearances. His current .705 OPS is the lowest of his career since his rookie season, and his bWAR (baseball wins above replacement) stands at a mere 0.3.
Tucker's difficulties are particularly evident at Dodger Stadium. He entered the Dodgers' recent homestand with a seven-game hitting streak but has since gone hitless in 16 at-bats at home. He was notably absent from the lineup for two games during the recent homestand against the Milwaukee Brewers.
"When it's clicking, he's one of the better players in the game," manager Dave Roberts said in June. Despite these struggles, Roberts acknowledged the underlying talent.
For the season, the 29-year-old right fielder is batting .234 with 11 home runs and 54 RBIs, scoring 66 runs. Even with Tucker's subpar performance, the Dodgers remain one of the top teams in the National League. However, the team will rely on him to improve his output as the season progresses into the playoffs.