The Los Angeles Dodgers entered offseason after accomplishing what no other MLB team had done in 25 years. Winning back-to-back World Series championships was their aim when the team aggressively spent in free agency for the second year in a row.
It paid off in a big way, not only with another title but also without having to trade away talent from their farm system at the deadline. The Dodgers attempted to address as many of their needs as possible in free agency, some of which worked out and others that didn’t pan out.
Last offseason it was starting pitching, but this year’s biggest need is outfield help followed by relievers. The Dodgers are reportedly considering revisiting trade talks with the Cleveland Guardians for Steven Kwan.
There are also other avenues the team is exploring, and speculation has tied them to Chicago Cubs free agent Kyle Tucker. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, general managers believe the Dodgers are one of three possible landing spots for Tucker:
Tucker, a native of Tampa, will sign with the Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays or Los Angeles Dodgers, GMs predict.
However, the Dodgers are also reportedly considering a more short-term solution or finding an internal replacement.
With outfielders being the strength of the Dodgers’ farm system, it makes sense that they could be looking for a bridge option in free agency or from within rather than signing Tucker. It would allow the team to utilize resources elsewhere on the roster and aligns the timeline for when Josue De Paula, Zyhir Hope or Mike Sirota is ready.
Conversely, adding Tucker’s bat to the lineup would provide more of an immediate impact than any other short-term option or waiting for when one of the prospects is ready. However, it’s worth noting that Tucker was an average defender at best last season, with an outs above average (OAA) in the 25th percentile and -1 defensive runs saved.
On his own, the Dodgers could probably get by. But with Teoscar Hernández still on the roster, even if it’s only through at least 2027, it would be rehashing the defensive issues in the outfield from this past season.
Kyle Tucker’s 2025 offensive stats
This past season, Tucker hit .266/.377/.464 with 25 doubles, four triples, and 22 home runs. His 136 wRC+ was the second-highest on the Cubs, who had the fifth-best run scoring offense in MLB in 2025.
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