Free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker is still available on the open market, and the Dodgers are seemingly emerging as a realistic landing spot.
The Dodgers — by all accounts — are looking to offer Tucker a short-term, high-salary contract that will allow him to maximize his earning power in the short term.
Tucker, however, is reportedly seeking a 10-year deal that pays him more than $300 million, creating a natural standstill between the Dodgers and the player.
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Considering the money at play, a deal of that magnitude will take time to materialize, and according to ESPN’s David Schoenfield, the longer that he goes without a long-term offer, the more realistic a landing spot the Dodgers become.
“The Dodgers could shift Teoscar Hernandez to left field and sign Tucker to play right field, especially with the payroll about $43 million below where it was in 2025,” Schoenfield wrote.
“But do the Dodgers believe that much in Tucker to give him a megadeal? At some point, they do need to weave some younger position players into the lineup — and their top prospects are all outfielders: Josue De Paula, Eduardo Quintero, Mike Sirota, and Zyhir Hope.
“Tucker on a shorter deal with a higher AAV might work if a longer one isn’t out there for him.”
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The New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Yankees have been connected to the outfielder, all of whom can offer him a deal along the lines of what he wants.
Still, entering the end of December and with the MLB Winter Meetings over, Tucker does not have a contract, and the Dodgers’ offer grows more enticing.
Also, the Dodgers have not made a move for an outfielder yet, and they need to add one or two quality options to help boost both the lineup and the defensive outlook of the roster.
Tucker is the premium option, but the front office is also exploring potential trades that can bring improvements at a lower cost.
Regardless of what Tucker decides to do, the Dodgers will need to address the outfielder position, one way or the other.
Photo Credit David Banks-Imagn Images
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6 Responses
It’s not happening.
10 year Guarantee contract, Dodgers are getting smarter with money. I still like Cody because of his flexibility and his improved hitting. He’s also cheaper can play anywhere in outfield and his ability to play first base very well should make Dodgers want him Back.
If Tucker or Bellinger care about winning a championship, they would take a short tern high AAV contract, If they don’t care, then let them sign with people willing to overpay but who don’t have the resources to do the rest. The Juan Soto signing by the Mets proved that their is only one person in MLB worth HUGE money and his last name isn’t Soto… Not only do you have to be a six tool unicorn (Ohtani), you have to be good in the clubhouse. Anybody else is just a good player to have. Tucker is a good player but he is not a Superstar. Same with Belli. COme to the Dodgers, win a couple of championships and move on or play for the money and watch others do it…
Bader is a better value. Less money and less years. Plays a good CF and doesn’t block our OF prospects.
I think if the Dodgers want to 3peat they have to bring in tucker and bichette and tarik skubal.
Sign Tucker and Bichette, yes. Its only money, not prospects. In addition to the payroll being about $40 million lower at this time than late in the 2025, season, it will be another $25 million lower after 2026 (Muncy, Treinen, Rojas). And it will be another $50 million lower after 2027 (Teoscar, Freddie Freeman). So yes, sign those two guys. Consider the lineup: Ohtani, Bichette, Tucker, Betts, Freeman, Teoscar, Muncy, Smith, Pages.. Then use prospects to trade for Skubal if that is possible, but I like the current rotation and back ups wihtout Skubal [except he would be good to have in the playoffs]: Ohtani, Snell, Yamamoto, Glasnow, Sasaki, Sheehan, then River Ryan, Gavin Stone, many guys to be in the bullpen who could start if needed- Kyle Hurt, Wrobleski, Casperious, Landon Knack.