The baseball world has hit a slow stretch over the past few weeks.
Nothing of significance has taken place, and that includes the Los Angeles Dodgers. Nontheless, the Dodgers appear to be the winners of free agency, despite only having two big league signings. The Edwin Diaz move was big time and somewhat necessary, given the team’s bullpen struggles last season.
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Addressing the bullpen was a big deal and they did so by adding the All-Star closer. What’s next on the checklist for LA is adding an outfielder. While any upgrade in the outfield would do wonders for LA, they may look to strike big. The Dodgers have been linked to a lot of star players, but they could be in line to sign arguably the best star left in the free agency market, Kyle Tucker.
Tucker landing with LA would be significant, but as things stand, they are not the favorites. The team that LA defeated in the World Series to capture their ninth title in franchise history, the Toronto Blue Jays, are the favorites. However, MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today said that if anything changes on that front, LA could sneak in and sign the four-time All-Star.
In a recent apperance on Dodgers Dougout Live with Doug McKain, Nightengale stated how the Tucker could ‘fall into the Dodgers lap’ if a deal with the Blue Jays doesn’t materalize.
“Well, remember there was reports early on that he was going to get 400 million, 500 million. It’s not going to get close to that. And so I think the Blue Jays saying, “We’re not going to bid against ourselves.” So I think they’re kind of laying back. So if you want to come here or not. If not, you could fall right into the Dodgers’ laps on a three or four-year deal. The Mets have some interest as well. The Yankees are more focused on Bellinger. So, he’s a guy who could just fall through the cracks and like I said, fall right in the Dodgers’ laps.”
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LA needs nothing and everything at the same time. The Dodgers are coming off a season in which their outfield was rated 18th overall, and with how the roster is constructed, they are on perform similarly or worse.
There’s a clear need in the outfield, but Tucker may come at a premium. According to Nightengale, Tucker and his camp are still eyeing a major contract this winter.
“Possible. I think he wants his money right now. He’s had two straight years now of bad second halves. You know, missed a lot of time with injuries the second half with the Astros two years ago. Last year had a little nagging thing. I think he’s better off playing for a team where he’s not the star guy. He can be the number three or four guy.”
The longer this stalemate goes on, the more it could benefit the Dodgers.
Photo Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
