As the Los Angeles Dodgers attempt to become the first team in a quarter of a century to repeat as World Series champions, there has already been speculation regarding potential moves they could make this offseason.
The Dodgers have been aggressive in free agency under Guggenheim Baseball Management, signing the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Freddie Freeman in recent years.
The upcoming free agent class will feature some big names, with Chicago Cubs All-Star Kyle Tucker at the top of the list.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Dodgers have interest in signing Tucker:
Will the rich get richer? The Dodgers are expected to make a play for No. 1 free agent Kyle Tucker, who’d fit nicely into the National League’s best lineup. Dodgers people are said to love Tucker, and outfield is their one area of less than great strength.
While the Dodgers have a talented lineup from top to bottom, they could use an upgrade at one of the corner outfield spots. They hardly received any production from Michael Conforto in left field this season and have relied on Kiké Hernández during the playoffs.
Tucker would be a significant addition as he has been one of the most productive players in baseball over the last few years.
The four-time All-Star is coming off a solid season with the Cubs that saw him hit .266/.377/.464 with 25 doubles, four triples, 22 home runs, 73 RBI and 25 stolen bases in 597 plate appearances across 136 games.
Although Tucker struggled a bit in the second half, he is still expected to command a contract of at least $300 million. L.A. made a strong play for Juan Soto last offseason, so they presumably wouldn’t shy away from meeting the high price tag.
Where would Kyle Tucker play with Dodgers?
With Teoscar Hernández slotted in right field, Tucker could potentially have to move over to left field if he signs with the Dodgers. Tucker has experience in left field but hasn’t appeared there since the 2020 season.
Hernández could also move back to left field, where he primarily played last season, to allow Tucker to remain in right field. However, Hernández is more comfortable in right field, so it isn’t clear if the Dodgers would entertain a position change.
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