The Los Angeles Dodgers are making headlines again with their pursuit of top talent. According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the Dodgers will jump into the free-agent fray for Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker this winter.
“The Los Angeles Dodgers will jump into the free-agent fray for Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker this winter,” Nightengale writes. “They may not be the high bidder but they’ll keep everyone honest just like they did in the Juan Soto sweepstakes.”
At 28 years old, Tucker is having another great season, .276/.387/.545 with 10 HR, 32 RBI and .932 OPS. He’s one of the top outfielders in baseball and his market value reflects that. Spotrac has him signing for $500 million this offseason.
Why the Dodgers are after Tucker
The Dodgers aren’t afraid to spend but their approach to free agency is strategic rather than a bidding war. Their interest in Tucker might be similar to their pursuit of Juan Soto last offseason – a way to stay competitive without overextending.
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman is known for his detailed roster building. Despite winning the World Series last season, the Dodgers are far from complacent. One area of need is their outfield depth which could get even thinner after 2025 when Michael Conforto’s one year deal expires.
There was talk earlier this summer the Dodgers might acquire an outfielder at the trade deadline with Luis Robert Jr of the Chicago White Sox being a rumored target. But those talks were put on hold and now the team will address the position in free agency instead.
The case for Kyle Tucker in LA
Tucker’s skill set is a perfect fit for the Dodgers’ high powered offense. He can hit for average and power and brings versatility to the table. His strong arm and solid defense in the outfield would complement the existing core of stars.
Plus he’s 28 so he’s a long term asset for the franchise. At 28, he’s in the prime of his career so he’s a good get whether the Dodgers are looking to win now or build for the future.But will they really go after him? With bids at $500 million they may just keep everyone honest rather than go all in.
Challenges in Landing Tucker
Getting Tucker won’t be easy. The New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, and others will make big offers and the Cubs will try to re-sign their star outfielder.
The Dodgers have to consider the financial implications of this deal. They’re no strangers to big contracts (hello Mookie Betts), but committing $500M to one player requires careful thought, especially with their already deep payroll.
But the Dodgers being in the mix means they’ll impact the market and potentially drive up prices or force other teams to rethink their plans.
What This Means for the Future?
If the Dodgers get Kyle Tucker, it means they’re going to be the team to beat for years to come. Pairing Tucker with Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman would be one of the greatest lineups in baseball history.
But even if they don’t get Tucker, the fact they’re in the mix means they’re addressing weaknesses and staying ahead of the curve. We can expect more big moves as the offseason goes on.
For now, all eyes will be on how hard the Dodgers pursue Tucker and if they’re willing to break the bank to get him to Chavez Ravine.