The Los Angeles Dodgers sent shockwaves throughout the sport yet again by striking in free agency to sign Kyle Tucker to a reported four-year, $240 million contract.
Tucker’s impending signing with the Dodgers comes after the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays also made strong pursuits. Tucker reportedly visited the Blue Jays’ Spring Training facility in December and several players would often comment on his Instagram posts as part of the organization’s recruiting efforts.
In the end it was the back-to-back World Series champions who got an All-Star to join the team on a short-term contract with a high average annual value.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Tucker’s contract with the Dodgers includes opt-out clauses after both the 2027 and 2028 seasons:
Kyle Tucker's four-year, $240 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers includes opt-outs after the second and third seasons, sources tell ESPN.
An enormous windfall for the best free agent available. And the champs get even better. @ByRobertMurray was on top of the money.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 16, 2026
The Dodgers’ reported interest in Tucker was said to have centered around a preference for a short-term contract similar to what Alex Bregman signed with the Boston Red Sox last offseason. Bregman’s three-year, $120 million contract included an opt-out clause after the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
Bregman opted out of the deal after playing one year with the Red Sox and has since signed with the Chicago Cubs, where Tucker coincidentally spent the 2025 season.
Kyle Tucker fills need for Dodgers
The Dodgers were connected to a multitude of outfielders during recent weeks, and signing Tucker gives them a significant boost. It likely will result in Teoscar Hernández moving to left field, where his defensive limitations may not be as costly, and Tucker’s bat further lengthens a lineup that already had plenty of talent but at times suffered lapses last year.
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