Even on a star-studded roster like the Los Angeles Dodgers, someone inevitably holds the title of the team's coldest bat. Shockingly, that player is their biggest offseason prize: Kyle Tucker, the man who signed a record-setting contract with the highest average annual value in baseball history.

Tucker's $240 million deal, averaging $57.1 million per year, came with expectations of immediate offensive firepower. Yet, his .246 batting average to start the 2026 season tells a different story. So, what's behind the slump? Manager Dave Roberts believes the answer is simple: Tucker is trying to do too much.

Roberts pinpointed a specific mechanical flaw after Sunday's game, noting Tucker is expanding his strike zone. "He’s getting out of his zone," Roberts observed. "He’s not a guy who typically chases down below, but he’s chasing a lot more down below for me." For a player Roberts identifies as a natural "high ball hitter," this deviation from his comfort zone is a clear red flag.

The stats underscore the struggle. Beyond the low average, Tucker has just one home run and nine RBIs. His only multi-hit games came back in early April, and a recent 5-for-25 stretch featured no extra-base hits. Advanced metrics paint a grimmer picture, placing him in the bottom percentiles for strikeout rate, barrel percentage, and solid contact.

Roberts remains confident, framing the issue as a mental adjustment. "Typically when guys chase, they’re trying to do a little bit too much," he added. The plan is for Tucker to first rediscover his plate discipline, then work with hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc to fine-tune his mechanics.

While his elite defense (ranking in the 86th percentile for fielding run value) provides some value, a contract of this magnitude demands all-around production. For now, Dodgers fans—and fantasy managers—are waiting for the real Kyle Tucker to step back into the batter's box.