The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly ready to offer outfielder Kyle Tucker a short-term contract at a high average annual value, though a deal is far from finalized.
Tucker is the biggest-name free agent on the market, and by all accounts, he wants a long-term deal that pays him anywhere between $30 to $40 million per season.
The Dodgers have a clear need in the outfield, especially at the corner spots, which makes the reigning champions a logical destination for the multi-time All-Star.
Los Angeles has already signed closer Edwin Diaz to a three-year, $69 million deal that will pay him the highest AAV of any relief pitcher in history.
As they chase for the three-peat, improving their outfielder depth has become a high priority, and there is no better solution than Tucker, though there is a reported reluctance to offer Tucker the kind of length he is looking for.
“Signing Tucker would cost them their third- and sixth-highest picks, a seemingly minor impediment. The bigger issue with the Dodgers in a Tucker pursuit would be getting him at their price,” The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Katie Woo reported.
“Los Angeles is unlikely to offer Tucker a six- or seven-year deal, according to a person briefed on the team’s plans. The club, however, would entertain a shorter three-to-four-year deal with a high annual average value, similar to what Alex Bregman landed last spring when he signed a three-year, $120 million contract with the Boston Red Sox.”
Tucker is a proven winner, having played a key role in the Houston Astros winning their 2022 World Series. He helps all over the field in just about every way other than pitching.
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He has two Silver Slugger awards, one of which came last season, along with a Gold Glove and four All-Star appearances. He can play all three outfield spots, though he excels more in either left or right field.
Andy Pages and Kyle Tucker could both cover up the defensive liability of Teoscar Hernandez, making the sacrifice of his poor fielding for power hitting much easier to swallow.
If Tucker doesn’t find the deal he’s seeking, the Dodgers instantly become a favorite for his signature. They can offer him the chance to return to the market in his mid-30s and secure another lucrative contract. While Los Angeles won’t be his initial choice, it could swiftly become his top second option.
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