It was only a matter of time before the Dodgers grabbed one of the biggest players left on the open market. That day came Thursday, when Kyle Tucker agreed to a four-year, $240 million contract to become the latest slugger on the high-profile Dodgers roster.
The rich get richer, and the two-time defending World Series champion continues to “ruin” baseball. Here are some reactions to the Dodgers signing Tucker.
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According to Benjamin Royer of the Los Angeles Times , Tucker’s move not only gives the Dodgers another fortified power bat in the middle of the lineup, but it also helps realign their outfield defense, as he will become the team’s new primary right fielder in a season where he has an above-average number of outs and a league-average fielding run average.
The signing addresses an area where the Dodgers need upgrades, as the outfield is 1.6 fewer wins ahead of the bullpen in 2025. Tucker, a four-time All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger and Gold Glove Award winner, is averaging 4.6 wins above replacement in the 2025 season and will likely join the Dodgers’ trio of Mookie Betts, Ohtani and Freddie Freeman in the starting lineup. line-up.
The other two teams vying for Tucker are the New York Mets and the defending American League champion Toronto Blue Jays. Now that Tucker has found a new home for the next four seasons, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal breaks down what’s next for both teams as they try to move forward without acquiring one of the offseason’s most sought-after free agents.
To sign Bellinger, the No. 2 free agent outfielder, they would need to beat the Yankees’ offer of $155 million to $160 million over five years with no extensions. That seems unlikely considering the Mets prefer short-term deals. But in a way, they’ve painted themselves into a corner… Even after Tucker strikes out, the Jays have a good chance of repeating as American League champions… If Bellinger returns to the Yankees and Bichette signs with the Phillies, the remainder of the Jaycees’ offseason will likely consist of only minor changes.
Sonja Chen of MLB.com broke down the Tucker signing, adding that Tucker clearly pushed the Dodgers over the edge and became a true force in MLB from top to bottom.
Even without taking into account Tucker’s high value, adding Tucker will bring severe penalties. The Dodgers’ decision to hire him wasn’t one they made lightly. But they’re not afraid to spend money when it comes to talent they think can push them to their limits, and Tucker is exactly that.
Clayton Kershaw’s pitching days aren’t over yet, as he will join Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Kershaw spoke with MLB Network’s Matt Vasgersian and Harold Reynolds on Thursday about the WBC game, noting that he just came to be with a star-studded group of players.
