After taking his time to explore the free agency market, outfielder Kyle Tucker finally made his decision.
Tucker was projected to command a contract of up to $400 million at the beginning of the offseason. Reaching that figure was in doubt as the negotiating process dragged along, and he became more open to a short-term deal.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays were considered to be the three finalists prior to Tucker’s decision. It was believed the Blue Jays offered Tucker a long-term contract, while the Mets and Dodgers preferred to sign him to a short-term deal.
In the end, it was the Dodgers who were able to sign Tucker, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN:
BREAKING: Star outfielder Kyle Tucker and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a free agent contract, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 16, 2026
Tucker’s deal with the Dodgers is worth $240 million over four years, giving him an average annual value of $60 million, via Jon Heyman of the New York Post:
Tucker/Dodgers deal $240m for 4 years.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 16, 2026
It includes an opt-out after the second year, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN.
Tucker did not receive the projected length or total value he was looking for in the absence of a robust market for his services. He will instead get a chance to test the market again shortly after a huge short-term payday.
The Dodgers were linked to Tucker dating back to the regular season, as he was the top option available to address their outfield concerns.
New York reportedly extended Tucker a short-term contract that would pay him $50 million per season. The Blue Jays had long been considered the favorite to sign Tucker, but the Mets and Dodgers gave it their best shot with their final offers, and the Dodgers ultimately won out.
The Dodgers took a similar approach when Bryce Harper was a free agent in 2019 as they offered him a short-term deal with a high average annual salary before he ultimately joined the Philadelphia Phillies on a 13-year, $330 million contract.
One consideration that factored into Tucker’s negotiations was his reported preference for not being the center of attention. Although all three teams pursuing him play in major markets, Tucker would not be asked to be the primary star on any of them.
Where will Kyle Tucker play?
Tucker should slot into a corner outfield spot and fit into the middle of the Dodgers’ lineup. The Dodgers will likely move Teoscar Hernández back to left field, allowing Tucker to play right.
Adding a left-handed bat has been a priority for the team, and they now landed the top one available.
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