Thursday, January 15, 2026

Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2026

Reportedly, the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a 4-year, $240 million deal with Kyle Tucker, the best free-agent outfielder.

The Dodgers’ needs this offseason:

Closer:  checked Edwin Dìaz

Outfielder: checked  Kyle Tucker.

Tucker has opt-outs in his new deal. His yearly salary is only behind Shohei Ohtani after having a subpar season. Turning 29 on Saturday, Tucker will be 29.

Tucker is a Gold Glove right fielder in 2022 and has won two Silver Sluggers. He has played for the Houston Astros and the Chicago Cubs. Tucker had a cracked pinky after sliding into home plate in June. The injury cut his batting average. In 2025 with the Cubs, Tucker had a .266 batting average with 22 home runs and 73 RBI. 

With the addition of Tucker, the Dodgers are going after a three-peat.  The Dodgers suffered through Michael Conforto roaming in left field and having a .199 batting average, 12 home runs, and 36 RBI.

In 2025, the Dodgers had a bad defensive outfield. While the outfield struggled offensively in 2025, the Dodgers won the 2025 World Championship. Signing Tucker upgraded the Dodger offense.

While Tucker didn’t have a good defensive year at Wrigley Field after playing at Daikin Field in Houston, he will play better defense at Dodger Stadium.

The Dodgers can move Teoscar Hernàndez to left field, where his poor defense wouldn’t hurt the Dodgers. Hernàndez can focus on his offensive performance after a below-average 2025 season. His offensive performance must improve to help the Dodgers.

After a dismal offensive postseason by Andy Pages, the Dodgers need a veteran outfielder who can hit to lessen the stress on the 25-year-old center fielder. In 2025, Pages improved his defense in center field. Signing Tucker will help Pages’ confidence at the plate.

Also, obtaining Tucker blocks the younger Dodger outfielders from AAA. To make room for Tucker, the Dodgers will have to make a roster move. The Dodgers might make a trade.

Signing Tucker means Mookie Betts isn’t returning to right field. Betts became a great shortstop, and he will be back at shortstop in 2026.

Many people think the Dodgers are ruining baseball when they sign all the top free agents. Tucker had a great offer from the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays. The Florida-native chose to play for the Dodgers.