Dodgers make $500 million Kyle Tucker free agency decision per insider
Context:
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been aggressively enhancing their roster with high-profile signings, including Shohei Ohtani, and are now considering pursuing Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker in free agency. Tucker, a standout player with significant accolades, is projected to command a $500 million contract. Despite potentially not being the highest bidder, the Dodgers intend to maintain competitive pressure, a strategy they previously employed in the pursuit of Juan Soto. Adding Tucker to their lineup would create an exceptionally formidable team, joining stars like Freeman, Betts, and Ohtani. The Dodgers, known for their winning culture, are prepared to use financial tactics such as deferred payments to build a superteam and remain contenders for top players like Tucker.
Dive Deeper:
The Los Angeles Dodgers have recently augmented their team with high-profile players such as Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and have renewed contracts with others, signaling an aggressive strategy to dominate the baseball world.
Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker, a three-time All-Star and a key player, is expected to enter free agency, attracting the interest of the Dodgers who plan to bid for him despite the high projected contract value of $500 million.
Kyle Tucker has demonstrated exceptional performance with a .932 OPS, 10 home runs, and 32 RBIs, making him one of the league's best players, which justifies his high free agency valuation.
The Dodgers have a history of making strategic financial moves, including deferred payments, to attract top talent, emphasizing their commitment to winning and building a superteam.
Securing Tucker would significantly enhance the Dodgers' already strong lineup, which features stars like Freeman, Betts, and Ohtani, making them a nearly unbeatable force in the league.
While other teams might offer more money, the Dodgers' winning culture and strategic financial incentives could be key factors in persuading Tucker to join their ranks.
Tucker's move to the Dodgers would be a strategic addition that could further establish the team as a dominant force in Major League Baseball, leveraging their financial power and winning tradition.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have become the talk of the baseball world after a recent run of lucrative contracts and the addition of superstars. They may not be done, however.
The Dodgers had no shortage of superstars before they signed Shohei Ohtani. However, they added Ohtani to their core of Freddie Freeman, Will Smith and Mookie Betts. They also traded for and extended Tyler Glasnow while also signing Yoshinobu Yamamoto. This offseason, they signed Blake Snell and Tanner Scott while resigning Teoscar Hernández. They also won the sweepstakes for Rōki Sasaki.
According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, they are going to try and make things even worse for the rest of the baseball world.
"The Los Angeles Dodgers plan to jump into the free-agent fray for (Chicago) Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker this winter," wrote Nightengale. "They may not be the high bidder, but they’ll surely keep everyone honest just as they did when they were in the Juan Soto sweepstakes."
Tucker was traded to the Cubs before the season and is putting up stellar numbers in the final year of his deal before entering free agency. He has 10 home runs, 32 RBIs and a .932 OPS. He has been one of the best players in the league and is projected to earn a $500 million deal in free agency.
Tucker, 28, is a three-time All-Star, Silver Slugger and Gold Glover. He has been named an All-Star in three consecutive seasons. In 2024 he had 23 home runs in 78 games. A move to the Dodgers would make them a nearly unstoppable force. Freeman, Betts and Ohtani in the same lineup is already tough enough. However, adding Tucker to the mis would be almost unfair.
The Dodgers have a winning culture that is attractive to all players, but at the end of the day, money talks. The Dodgers are committed to winning now and have made it a trend to push money down the road via deferrals and win now. If Tucker is willing to take deferrals to join a superteam, the Dodgers would be real contenders for him.
More MLB: Yankees-Angels blockbuster trade pitch sends future Hall of Famer to NY