The Los Angeles Dodgers have won the offseason by inking star outfielder Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million deal.
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MLB insider Jesse Rogers was the first to report the details of the contract. Tucker’s contract with the Dodgers contains opt-outs after the second year.
Moreover, the outfielder is set to earn $60 million per year. Tucker’s deal with the Dodgers contains $30 million in deferrals.
The Dodgers were one of three finalists in the Tucker sweepstakes, along with the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets. The World Series runners-up were the only team to reportedly offer the 28-year-old a long-term deal.
But it appears the long-term deal from Toronto was not enough.
As for the Mets, the NL rival made a competitive short-term offer to Tucker, which included a $50 million annual average value. That deal also did not suffice for the All-Star.
What Does Kyle Tucker’s Deal Mean for the Dodgers?
One of the Dodgers’ biggest weaknesses throughout the 2025 season was their outfield. The arrival of Tucker gives the Dodges a left-handed bat in a predominantly right-handed starting outfield.
Tucker is coming off a solid offensive season with the Chicago Cubs, where he slashed .266/.377/.464 with 22 home runs and 73 RBIs despite dealing with a fracture between his ring and pinky finger.
In each of the last five seasons, he’s posted at least 4.2 fWAR and has won a Gold Glove in the outfield. He immediately becomes a defensive upgrade from Teoscar Hernandez in right field.
At the World Series championship parade, Mark Walter made the Dodgers’ goal for 2026 clear.
“All I have to say to you is, we’ll be back next year,” Walter said.
Dodgers ownership promised the team would return to the World Series in 2026 and the arrival of Tucker signals how serious Walter’s statement really was.
The defending champions have made two big splashes this winter in landing the top free agent of the class well as baseball’s best closer. Both Tucker and Edwin Diaz could have gone elsewhere, but ultimately chose to join the World Series champion Dodgers.
As evidenced by Tucker and Diaz’s decisions, LA is the place to be. Players know their best chance of winning is with the Dodgers.
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Photo Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
