Outfielder Kyle Tucker said multiple times how impressive of an organization the Dodgers are

In the midst of fan outrage and owners wanting a salary cap in the next CBA, the Dodgers officially welcomed their most recent free agent signing, outfielder Kyle Tucker, with a Jan. 21 press conference.

Two minutes in, Tucker put on his new Dodger jersey for the first time, donning the number 23.

“There would only be a few available players that we felt like would be real needle-movers when it comes to bringing another championship to Los Angeles,” Dodgers GM Brandon Gome said. “Kyle Tucker is at the very top of that group and one of the most complete players in all of baseball.”

Tucker, who recently turned 29, will be joining a lineup with multiple other All-Star caliber players, such as DH/SP Shohei Ohtani, who has won back-to-back MVPS, 1B Freddie Freeman, C Will Smith and SS Mookie Betts. Tucker has been in contact with a few of his new teammates. and said throughout how excited he is to be a part of the organization.

“This organization from the top down is first class,” Tucker said. “The team that these guys put together and assembled to give a great product for the fanbase and the city, to go out there and win a championship kind of speaks for itself.”

Tucker made his major league debut in 2018 with the Houston Astros and played there until he was traded to the Chicago Cubs ahead of the 2025 season. Tucker had worn the number 30 since 2020, but switched to 23 since Manager Dave Roberts wears 30.

Tucker said he chose 23 in honor of his Houston teammate outfielder Michael Brantley wore 23.

“He was a phenomenal ball player and one of my close friends,” Tucker said. “That played a big part in my choice going with that.”

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In the past week, there have been rumors going around about Tucker that he doesn’t have the same passion for baseball that most players in the league.

Tucker was asked about these rumors but said he doesn’t know know why that is going around and his main focus is on doing the little things to win games and his fellow teammates.

“I know what I try and do out on the field and what I bring to the clubhouse,” Tucker said. “I try and do my best out there regardless of how I feel or what the situation is. I’m going to try and go out there and win games.”

Kyle Tucker responds to reports that he doesn’t love baseball:

“I don’t read into it a whole lot… I’ve been playing in the playoffs for a while now. There’s nothing that beats that, I’m excited to continue that here.”

Via @sportsnetla pic.twitter.com/OYltZD8od7

— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) January 21, 2026

The Dodgers’ payroll for 2026 will be over $400 million, the highest in MLB as only two other teams have a payroll of at least $300 million. Additionally, the Dodgers won the previous two World Series and also have the highest payroll.

Due to the Dodgers’ high amounts of spending, most recently with the Tucker signing, the owners will push for a salary cap to be added after the 2026 season, according to The Athletic. Many fans are expecting an argument over a salary cap to cause a lockout. Despite the impact his contract could have on the future of baseball, Tucker said baseball is in a good spot.

“As long as we can as a league and as players, if we can continuing growing the fan base and having fun with it and continuing to have that interaction between the organizations and the fan bases, it’s good for baseball,” Tucker said.

Roberts said he expects Tucker to bat second or third in the lineup.