The Los Angeles Dodgers formally introduced Kyle Tucker on Wednesday after signing him to a four-year, $240 million contract that includes deferred salary and two opt-outs.
Tucker was the top free agent of the offseason and reportedly turned down lucrative offers from the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets in favor of joining a star-studded group in L.A.
“It was interesting,” Tucker said during his introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium. “Obviously, I think very highly of this organization. From the top down, from ownership group to the front office, I think it’s a first-class experience with all of that.
“Playing here is exciting. You can see the fanbase really embrace the team, embrace the city, and want to encourage the players to go out there and play at a high level.
“I think the players kind of speak for themselves with their play on the field and winning multiple World Series championships, especially the last two years. The players kind of speak for themselves in terms of that.
“I don’t know many of them super personally, but more so playing against them, seeing them and talking to them on the field. But this is a great group of guys and I’m excited to join them and have another run at a World Series.”
Tucker will earn an average annual value record $57.1 million per season over the life of his Dodgers contract but he was also drawn to the organization’s recent success and wants to help them chase a third consecutive World Series title.
“There’s a lot of great ballclubs out there with great teams and they all have unique things that make them great,” Tucker said. “But like I said, this organization, from the top down, is first class.
“The team that these guys put together is a great product for the fanbase and city to go out there and compete for a championship, it kind of speaks for itself. Just kind of taking everything into account and wanting to be part of that, I think is very special.
“You don’t get that very often. It will be a lot of fun playing with these guys and competing for a three-peat.”
Kyle Tucker signed with Dodgers to avoid pressure of being main star
Tucker was also attracted to the Dodgers because he won’t have to deal with the pressure of being the main star on a team that already features Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts, among others.
“I mean, somewhat,” Tucker said of not wanting to be the center of attention. “This team, obviously, is very good. I’m just excited to be part of that group and build myself up on a personal level but also contribute with everyone else.
“Obviously, I think playing for a winning ballclub, which this team is, it just makes it a lot more fun. It makes it exciting to go out there every single day.
“We play so many games that it can kind of get to you a little bit, but working with this group of guys, I think is going to make it a lot of fun.”
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