Kyle Tucker response to Blue Jays rumors gives Dodgers haters another rallying cry

Kyle Tucker's bat is starting to warm up, and it's been an early reminder of why he was viewed as the top player available in free agency this past offseason. Tucker carries a nonchalant persona, but his decision to sign a creative (and rich) deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers has turned him into the game's latest villain.

At least, for Chicago Cubs fans and Toronto Blue Jays fans. Cubs fans, because of how his tenure in Chicago ended, and Blue Jays fans, because Toronto offered Tucker the most overall money. Still, the contract with the Dodgers offered Tucker the most upfront money, and well, a chance to win a World Series.

Those two reasons alone would justify his decision to join the Dodgers. Of course, the subject was bound to be brought up this week with LA returning to Toronto in a rematch of the World Series. Tucker was booed during just about every plate appearance, but it doesn't sound like he has any regrets over how his free agency played out.

Tucker praised the Blue Jays and their courtship, but told The Athletic's (subscription required) Mitch Bannon that playing in California was the best thing for him and his family.

Kyle Tucker's response to Blue Jays rumors is the final troll the Dodgers needed.

The detractors of the Dodgers (and now, Tucker) are going to roll their eyes at this one. No, you don't often hear a player say that California is the best landing spot for their family. There certainly are some scenic views, but the cost of living is among the highest in the country. Not to mention, the Blue Jays were offering Tucker $350 million.

Of course, Tucker wasn't going to say the true reason behind his decision: securing the biggest bag as soon as possible. Not to mention, the chances of playing in the World Series and the chances to cash in again in just the next few years.

This week has been a crash course for Tucker's new way of living with the Dodgers. He's not the ascending superstar he was with the Houston Astros, or the expected savior he was viewed as with the Cubs. He's with the Dodgers, and folks are going to circle any reason they can to hate him. At the end of the day, as long as he's hitting, the noise is just that.