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The Los Angeles Dodgers have a better chance of landing star outfielder Kyle Tucker rather than infielder Bo Bichette, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
During an interview with Dodgers Nation’s very own Doug McKain, Nightengale was asked whether Tucker or Bichette is more likely amid rumored interest from the Dodgers in both players.
“I would think Tucker would be more [likely]. I just think there’s more of a space for him. Teoscar Hernandez is a free agent in a year. They kind of mix and match with the outfield. So I would think he’d be perfect there.
“If you want Bichette, do you then go and ask Betts to move back into right field? Not sure if you do that. I think he deserves respect to play where he wants right now.
“Maybe at some point, but if they sign Bichette, I think the conversation would come up, ‘hey Mookie, you interested in going back to right?’ Then just saying there for pretty much the rest of his career.”
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The Dodgers have a clear need in the outfield, especially in the corner spots, as Andy Pages has taken over the center field spot.
One of the corner spots would be taken up by Teoscar Hernandez next season, though his defensive problems mean he will need someone to provide competition and push him.
At the other corner spot, there was a rotating cast of players. Michael Conforto, the Dodgers’ big signing in the 2024 offseason, manned the everyday spot throughout the regular season, but he failed to hit at a replacement level.
However, in the postseason, Enrique Hernandez took over the position for the most part, and Conforto did not even play in October.
Bichette checks a lot of boxes, but Nightengale and many figures in the baseball world view Tucker as the cleaner fit.
While Kiké Hernandez is expected to re-sign and return to the fold as a utility player once he is healthy, the Dodgers realistically need a certified starter who can add a bat that can solidly provide production offensively and good fielding range, especially to make up for Hernandez’s range and coverage woes.
The infielder also could use additional depth, especially since the position group is one of the oldest in the league. Adding a younger, quality bat that would help ease the pressure on the stars is invaluable, just as important as an outfielder.
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Photo Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
