Image Source: Dayn Perry
Key Takeaways
- The Dodgers have signed Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million pact with a pair of opt outs, making their lineup even more formidable.
- The addition of Tucker addresses the team’s concerns about lineup depth and the age of their core hitters.
- Manager Dave Roberts will have to navigate the challenge of filling out his lineup card, with several options for where to place Tucker in the batting order.
- The Dodgers’ top five hitters, including Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Tucker, and Will Smith, make for a fearsome lineup.
- The team’s ability to adapt and make adjustments throughout the season will be crucial to their success.
Introduction to the Dodgers’ Lineup
The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a significant splash in the offseason by signing Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million pact with a pair of opt outs. This move has added another superstar to an already stacked lineup, giving manager Dave Roberts a pleasant problem to deal with. As Roberts noted, "It’s a fearsome top five in L.A. no matter how you shuffle the pieces." The Dodgers’ lineup is now packed with talent, featuring Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Tucker, and Will Smith, among others.
The Challenge of Filling Out the Lineup Card
With the addition of Tucker, Roberts will have to navigate the challenge of filling out his lineup card. As he said, "Any plausible answer is a correct answer." The top two spots in the lineup are likely to be occupied by Ohtani and Betts, but after that, things get less clear. Freeman, who is entering his age-36 season, may still be a strong hitter, but Tucker’s presence could lead to him being bumped down in the order. As R.J. Anderson notes, "If Freeman shows signs of decline in 2026, then perhaps you elevate Tucker to the third spot and put Smith at cleanup, but for now the future Hall of Famer Freeman has more than earned the benefit of the doubt."
Addressing Lineup Depth and Age Concerns
The signing of Tucker addresses two major concerns for the Dodgers: lineup depth and the age of their core hitters. Last season, the team struggled with a lack of depth in their lineup, and the addition of Tucker provides a significant boost. As Anderson writes, "Tucker addresses both issues, and his presence gives Roberts an abundance of options at the front end of the lineup and also paths to take if one of his older stalwart hitters begins showing his years in 2026." With Tucker on board, the Dodgers can now adapt to any potential decline in their older hitters and still maintain a competitive lineup.
The Fearsome Top Five
The Dodgers’ top five hitters, including Ohtani, Betts, Freeman, Tucker, and Smith, make for a fearsome lineup. As Anderson notes, "The team that last season ranked second in MLB in runs scored, second in home runs, second in wOBA, and third in xwOBA just added a player who in 2026 might be their second-best hitter." This lineup has the potential to be one of the most dominant in baseball, and the addition of Tucker has only strengthened their chances of success.
Conclusion and Outlook
In conclusion, the Dodgers’ signing of Kyle Tucker has given them a significant boost and addressed several key concerns. With a fearsome top five and a deep lineup, the team is well-positioned for success in 2026. As Roberts and the Dodgers navigate the challenges of the season, they will need to be adaptable and make adjustments as needed. However, with a lineup as talented as theirs, they are certainly in a strong position to make a deep run in the playoffs. As Anderson writes, "Sure, where to deploy Tucker is a difficult decision in a certain sense, but any plausible answer is a correct answer." The Dodgers’ lineup is now more formidable than ever, and they will be a team to watch in 2026.
https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/kyle-tucker-dodgers-lineup-shohei-ohtani-mookie-betts-freddie-freeman/
