The Los Angeles Dodgers have been the envy of some and source of frustration for many over recent years with a string of splashy signings in free agency.
It began with what at the time was a record-setting $700 million contract for Shohei Ohtani, and continued with the signings of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell and Tanner Scott, among others. The Dodgers also spent to retain their own free agents, including Teoscar Hernández.
The Dodgers front office have explained their aggressive approach as simply wanting to field a winning team and reward fans for their sustained support. They also have reminded that MLB’s postseason history still suggests World Series odds are against the Dodgers.
As the team looks to repeat as champions in 2025, there is some attention being given to the future, when the Dodgers reportedly intend to be involved for Kyle Tucker once he becomes a free agent, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today:
The Los Angeles Dodgers plan to jump into the free-agent fray for Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker this winter. They may not be the high bidder, but they’ll surely keep everyone honest just as they did when they were in the Juan Soto sweepstakes.
The Chicago Cubs acquired Tucker during the offseason in a trade that sent Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski and prospect Cam Smith to the Houston Astros.
Tucker is due to become a free agent after the 2025 season. The Cubs seemingly have interest in signing Tucker to a contract extension, but the general sense is the All-Star outfielder has his sights set on reaching free agency.
That of course could change if the Cubs make an aggressive offer. Estimates have put Tucker’s contract in the range of $450-500 million.
Jason Heyward holds the richest contract in Cubs franchise history when he signed a seven-year, $184 million deal before the start of the 2016 season.
Can the Dodgers afford to sign Kyle Tucker?
While the Dodgers spent more than $450 million on player contracts this past offseason, a healthy business model and deferred salaries have them in position to keep adding onto the roster.
Thus, they could very much be a factor for Tucker and might be particularly motivated to sign him given the outlook in their outfield. Andy Pages could remain in center field, but the Dodgers signing Tucker would likely require Teoscar Hernández moving back to left field.
That would strengthen the Dodgers’ outfield defense, though Hernández has stated his preferred position in right field. But with that, he’s also expressed a willingness to play any position.
Meanwhile, at 28 years old, Tucker could help carry the Dodgers franchise as part of their next core group.
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