The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed outfielder Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million deal, according to sources close to the negotiations. This massive contract will not only cement the Dodgers' status as one of the most lucrative teams in baseball but also bolster their chances of securing a third consecutive World Series championship.
Tucker's new deal averages out to $60 million per year, making him the second-highest paid player in baseball history behind Shohei Ohtani's 10-year, $70 million annually pact with the Dodgers. The signing comes as no surprise, given Tucker's impressive resume and his track record of producing at an elite level.
Despite being plagued by injuries in his last season with the Chicago Cubs, where he was acquired in a blockbuster trade from Houston, Tucker remains one of the best all-around players in the majors. With a career batting average of .273 and 147 home runs, 490 RBIs, and an .865 OPS in 769 games, Tucker is a force to be reckoned with on the field.
The Dodgers' decision to pursue Tucker was likely motivated by their need for an everyday corner outfielder after Michael Conforto struggled in left field last season. The move also frees up space for Teoscar Hernandez to return to left field.
Tucker's deal comes as no surprise given his market value, and the Mets and Blue Jays were reportedly in the running for his services before he signed with the Dodgers. Mets owner Steve Cohen even joked on social media that the team was waiting "for a decision," before clarifying that they would be watching the developments from afar.
While Tucker's signing is a significant coup for the Dodgers, it also raises questions about their approach to player compensation in the future. With seven of the majors' 29 biggest contracts by average annual value on the roster by next season, the Dodgers are undoubtedly one of the richest teams in baseball.
As for Tucker himself, he will be taking his talents to Los Angeles and playing right field for the Dodgers, a move that should help solidify their lineup. Despite being limited to just 214 regular-season games over the past two years due to injuries, Tucker remains one of the most talented players in the game, and it's hard to argue with the value of signing him to such a massive deal.
Tucker's new deal averages out to $60 million per year, making him the second-highest paid player in baseball history behind Shohei Ohtani's 10-year, $70 million annually pact with the Dodgers. The signing comes as no surprise, given Tucker's impressive resume and his track record of producing at an elite level.
Despite being plagued by injuries in his last season with the Chicago Cubs, where he was acquired in a blockbuster trade from Houston, Tucker remains one of the best all-around players in the majors. With a career batting average of .273 and 147 home runs, 490 RBIs, and an .865 OPS in 769 games, Tucker is a force to be reckoned with on the field.
The Dodgers' decision to pursue Tucker was likely motivated by their need for an everyday corner outfielder after Michael Conforto struggled in left field last season. The move also frees up space for Teoscar Hernandez to return to left field.
Tucker's deal comes as no surprise given his market value, and the Mets and Blue Jays were reportedly in the running for his services before he signed with the Dodgers. Mets owner Steve Cohen even joked on social media that the team was waiting "for a decision," before clarifying that they would be watching the developments from afar.
While Tucker's signing is a significant coup for the Dodgers, it also raises questions about their approach to player compensation in the future. With seven of the majors' 29 biggest contracts by average annual value on the roster by next season, the Dodgers are undoubtedly one of the richest teams in baseball.
As for Tucker himself, he will be taking his talents to Los Angeles and playing right field for the Dodgers, a move that should help solidify their lineup. Despite being limited to just 214 regular-season games over the past two years due to injuries, Tucker remains one of the most talented players in the game, and it's hard to argue with the value of signing him to such a massive deal.