The Los Angeles Dodgers are dominating yet another offseason, and had their eyes on the consensus best free agent for a while before signing him.
The Los Angeles Dodgers had been eyeing the top free agent on the market since the MLB Winter Meetings. If the stars aligned and the price was right, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and general manager Brandon Gomes were coveting the chance to land a massive boost in the outfield. That all came to fruition on Thursday when Los Angeles shocked the baseball world and continue to outspend every club, as they landed free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker. Tucker signed a four-year, $240 million contract, with opt-out clauses after the second and third seasons, according to ESPN per sources.
He will head to Southern California to join an immensely talented lineup that includes Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and other stars. The Dodgers now have one of the most gifted position players in the sport to add to their high-octane offense, but Tucker also possesses strong defensive traits. In his final season before free agency, Tucker slashed .266/.377/.464 with 22 home runs, 73 RBIs and 25 stolen bases for the Chicago Cubs through 136 games. Signing Tucker shows Los Angeles’ willingness to go all-in and win a third straight World Series.
Here is the analysis from Dodgers Roundtable writer Joe Rutland on what this signing signifies for Los Angeles’ goals next season.
The Toronto Blue Jays, who the Dodgers beat in the World Series, were among the teams vying for Tucker, with Los Angeles reportedly not listed as the top pick. However, money simply talks, as does the ability to win championships. The Dodgers are willing to spend upfront to ride the natural financial boost of winning, and just made their outfield that much more dangerous.