Dodgers Skipper Sends 4-Word Kyle Tucker Message As Struggles Follow Cubs Exit

BusinessSportsMoneyDodgers Skipper Sends 4-Word Kyle Tucker Message As Struggles Follow Cubs ExitByPeter Chawaga,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Peter Chawaga is a writer and editor covering Major League Baseball.Follow AuthorJun 09, 2026, 08:00am EDTLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 24: Kyle Tucker #23 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on in the dugout against the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium on April 24, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe Los Angeles Dodgers entered the 2026 season expecting Kyle Tucker to help anchor one of baseball’s most dangerous lineups. The team signed the former Chicago Cubs outfielder to a massive free-agent contract to place him alongside longtime stars like Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani. But instead of that star-studded lineup bringing out the best in Tucker, the newcomer has spent much of the year trying to rediscover the form that made him one of the sport’s premier offensive players.ForbesPhillies’ 3-Year Slugger Cut From Roster After Short Stint With New TeamBy Peter ChawagaLos Angeles Dodgers’ Kyle Tucker Takes Step Back After Leaving Chicago CubsThe disappointing start has become one of the more surprising storylines surrounding the defending World Series champions.“Overall, though, Tucker's performance has fallen short of the expectations that came with his four-year, $240 million contract,” Sonja Chen noted for MLB.com. “He has had some hot stretches mixed in, like when he hit .297 with a .910 OPS in the three weeks after he was dropped from the No. 2 spot in the lineup, but he has been unable to sustain his success.”Chen also highlighted some underlying trends that demonstrate a step back for Tucker following last year.“Tucker's average exit velocity is 89 mph, down a tick from 90.1 mph in 2025,” Chen added. “He's halved his barrel rate from 10.8% last year to 5.3% this year.”MORE FOR YOUForbesYankees’ Aaron Judge...