Free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker has reached an agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers, ending a months-long saga that featured interest from the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays.
The news comes from ESPN insider Jeff Passan, who confirmed that the Dodgers have landed the biggest fish in free agency.
The Dodgers had a massive need for an outfielder, and the highest payroll in baseball opened its checkbook and added the most expensive player.
The deal is four years for $240 million, making it the second-largest average annual value behind new teammate Shohei Ohtani.
Tucker was always expected to get the biggest deal in free agency, especially on a per-year basis, and he has now taken the crown with no other player expected to come close this offseason.
More news: Cubs Claim Former Dodgers World Series Champion Justin Dean
The Dodgers were already big World Series favorites, and signing Tucker will only raise expectations in 2026 for the coveted three-peat.
The batting order will include Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, and now Tucker, making it one of the best units in baseball, and they could set offensive records.
Kyle Tucker’s Dodgers Contract Details
Tucker’s contract includes opt-outs during the second and third seasons, according to Passan, allowing him to re-enter the market if he wants to.
At $60 million per season, the outfielder is likely expected to stay on board unless he has an amazing season and the market signals that he can get a long-term deal.
The multi-time All-Star was seeking an 8-to-10-year deal worth around $400 million to secure his financial future. The offer he wanted did not seemingly materialize, forcing him to take a different route.
More news: Dodgers Officially Sign Veteran Infielder, DFA Recent Acquisition
With this contract, he will likely make about the same amount he was after, if not more, though there are plenty of variables that can go awry.
Tucker could suffer an injury or have a down year, which could lower his value, but given his track record, he will likely produce in a stacked Dodgers lineup, and another big deal will be around the corner when he enters free agency again.
For more MLB news, visit Newsweek Sports.
Read the full article here
