Dodgers Need More From Tucker and Díaz Next Season

Los Angeles invested a combined $309 million in outfielder Kyle Tucker and closer Edwin Díaz, but both had difficult regular seasons. Tucker hit .233, while Díaz posted an 8.68 ERA in an injury-shortened campaign. Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes nevertheless praised their contributions during the postseason, when the team reached the National League Championship Series after winning its division and earning a first-round playoff bye.

Tucker led the Dodgers in postseason hitting, batting .333 with a .938 OPS. His home run helped secure a win over Atlanta in Game 1 of the National League Division Series. In Game 4, his seventh-inning walk loaded the bases before Andy Pages drove in the runs that decided the game.

Díaz returned as the team’s closer, finishing wins over Atlanta in Games 3 and 4. Their late-season improvement offered further encouragement: Tucker hit .333 with five homers in his final 17 games, while Díaz returned from elbow and neck injuries to throw five scoreless innings across five September appearances.

The Dodgers will need Tucker to provide a steadier left-handed bat, particularly as Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy approach their late 30s. Díaz is also expected to lead a bullpen that could lose several experienced relievers to free agency, including Kris Bubic, Brusdar Graterol, Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips and Alex Vesia.

Gomes said the club was looking forward to both players building on their late-season progress. Their postseason work helped, but the Dodgers will expect more consistent production next year, especially if new financial limits make it harder to address roster problems through additional high-cost signings.