After winning back-to-back World Series titles, the Los Angeles Dodgers set out this offseason with the goal of improving their outfield and bullpen, which were both key issues during the 2025 season.
The Dodgers started out by signing the top available reliever, Edwin Díaz, to address their bullpen. Then they made another splash by signing Kyle Tucker, the best available player, to address their outfield.
The front office knew the bar was high to improve their club, and they were still able to add two more impact players to an already stacked roster.
“Throughout the offseason, we talked a lot about how high the talent bar was of this current club, and how there would only be a few available players that we felt would be real needle movers when it comes to bringing another championship to Los Angeles,” Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said.
“Kyle Tucker is at the very top of that group and one of the most complete players in all of baseball. He’s a proven All-Star, a Gold Glove defender, a Silver Slugger, and can impact the game in every phase. He brings power, discipline, athleticism and consistency. All qualities we feel strongly help contribute to winning championships.”
The Dodgers considered trades for various outfielders, such as Jarren Duran, Steven Kwan and Brendan Donovan. They also showed interest in free agents Cody Bellinger and Bo Bichette.
But through the entire process, Tucker remained at the top of their list.
“When we started the offseason, talking about various fits, trade market, free agent market, there was really nobody that moved our World Series odds for 2026 more than Kyle Tucker,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. “Both because of his ability and talent, and also just need.”
Betting markets currently place the Dodgers odds to win the 2026 World Series around +220, making them the favorite in MLB. But given the randomness of baseball, winning is never a sure thing.
Kyle Tucker career stats
Tucker played in 136 games for the Chicago Cubs in 2025, slashing .266/.377/.464 with 22 homers and 73 RBI. The 29-year-old earned his second Louisville Silver Slugger Award at the end of the season, finished among the National League outfield leaders in homers (12th), RBI (12th), runs (91, 4th), OBP (2nd), slugging (5th) and on-base plus slugging (.841, 3rd).
Prior to joining the Cubs, he played seven seasons for the Houston Astros, batting .274 with 125 homers and 417 RBI. He’s recorded three Top 20 finishes in the MVP ballot, including a Top 5 finish in 2023 when he led the American League with 112 RBI. He finished the campaign slashing .284/.369/.517 with 29 homers, 37 doubles and 97 runs scored. He earned his second All-Star nod and won his first Louisville Silver Slugger that season.
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