The Los Angeles Dodgers have made another seismic move in the Major League Baseball offseason, agreeing to a monumental contract with star outfielder Kyle Tucker. The deal, reportedly worth $240 million over four years, significantly strengthens the Dodgers' quest for a third consecutive World Series title.
Contract Details and Historic Value
According to a source speaking to the Associated Press on Thursday night, Tucker's contract includes opt-out clauses after the second and third years. The agreement is pending a physical examination. The financial terms are staggering, with an average annual value (AAV) of $60 million. This figure stands as the second-highest in baseball history, trailing only the $70m AAV of Shohei Ohtani's landmark deal with the Dodgers, when deferred money is not factored in.
This signing continues the Dodgers' trend of acquiring elite veteran talent, giving them seven of the sport's 29 largest contracts by AAV projected for the 2026 season. Their previous major offseason addition was signing elite reliever Edwin Díaz from the New York Mets to address bullpen concerns.
Addressing a Key Roster Need
Tucker's arrival solves a clear deficiency for Los Angeles. After struggles from Michael Conforto and others in left field last season, the Dodgers gain an elite, everyday corner outfielder. Tucker is expected to slot into right field, allowing Teoscar Hernández to shift back to left. Beyond his defensive upgrade, Tucker provides an exceptional bat for the heart of the Dodgers' batting order.
The move ends speculation around Tucker's destination, with the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays—the team the Dodgers defeated in last year's World Series—also believed to be in contention. Mets owner Steve Cohen had cryptically posted on social media about "waiting for a decision" prior to the news breaking.
Injury Concerns and Recent Performance
While Tucker's talent is undeniable, his recent injury history presents a potential risk. He played in just 214 regular-season games over the past two years. His lone season with the Chicago Cubs in 2025 was hampered by two significant injuries: a small fracture in his right hand from a slide in June and a strained left calf in September.
Acquired by the Cubs in a December 2024 blockbuster trade that sent prospect Cam Smith to the Houston Astros, Tucker batted .266 with 22 home runs and 73 RBIs last season. However, his production dipped after the All-Star break, hitting just .231 with five homers in 41 games. He served as Chicago's designated hitter during their playoff run, which ended in the National League Division Series against Milwaukee.
When fully fit, Tucker is considered one of the game's premier all-around players. From 2021 to 2023 with Houston, he recorded three straight seasons with at least 29 homers and 92 RBIs, winning a Gold Glove in 2022 and leading the American League with 112 RBIs in 2023. A fractured shin limited him to 78 games in his final Astros season, but he still managed a .289 average with 23 homers.
Now 29, the Tampa, Florida native rejected a $22,025,000 qualifying offer from the Cubs in November, meaning Chicago will receive a compensatory draft pick, likely in the No. 77-80 range. A former No. 5 overall draft pick in 2015, Tucker is a career .273 hitter with 147 home runs, 490 RBIs, and 119 stolen bases. He played in three World Series with the Astros, winning a championship ring in 2022.
