Dodgers’ $309 million flushing down the toilet as key acquisitions turn into dumpster fires

Money was no object for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the offseason.

The back-to-back World Series champions somehow managed to improve their roster by signing top free agent of the winter, Kyle Tucker, and baseball’s best closer, Edwin Diaz. The Dodgers spent a combined $309 million on Tucker and Diaz last winter.

But the pair of All-Stars have been some of the worst players in Major League Baseball in 2026.

Tucker is batting .230 with a .692 OPS, 96 wRC+, and negative-9 Defensive Runs Saved. The outfielder ranked in the fifth percentile in MLB ahead of Monday’s game.

The career-lows for Tucker have increased in recent weeks as he is 0-for-25 in his last seven games and has dropped two fly balls.

Diaz has posted a 15.88 ERA and 3.18 WHIP in his last seven appearances for the Dodgers. The three-time Reliever of the Year missed three months of the season after he underwent surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow.

But his struggles throughout his inaugural season with the Dodgers have only worsened since his return at the end of July. On the season, Diaz is sporting a 11.85 ERA across 13.2 innings.

The Dodgers closer entered Monday night’s game against the Colorado Rockies with a nine-run lead. Diaz proceeded to give up three runs on four hits.

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The Dodgers have a solution for their closer situation as Diaz was placed on the injured list with neck inflammation Tuesday. But manager Dave Roberts expects Diaz to return this season, leaving the door open for who will close out games come October.

Tucker has retained his spot as the Dodgers’ starting right fielder, but there’s been no answer to his painstaking struggles in 2026.

Once the playoffs roll around, the club will have to decide whether to stick with their expensive additions or find cheaper alternatives on the roster.