Kyle Tucker is the premier free agent current available on the market.
This is not a surprise to even the most casual baseball fan. Tucker’s decision to not re-sign with the Chicago Cubs immediately vaulted him atop the heap in terms of being a real asset for any ballclub in the Big Leagues.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been perceived to be a perfect fit given their need for a starting outfielder. As the offseason as evolved, there’s something to the notion that LA may not have been as big of a favorite for his services as previously thought.
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New York Post reporter Jon Heyman aimed to best handicap the Tucker sweepstakes at the moment. The Toronto Blue Jays have long been associated with the talented left-handed outfielder.
Both New York clubs appear to be fits on the surface. The Yankees would love to add Tucker’s bat with the short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium. The Mets have a bit of egg on their face in the wake of letting fan favorites Edwin Diaz and Pete Alonso walk in free agency. Adding Tucker would somewhat soften the blow.
As it pertains to the Dodgers, Heyman thinks the team can be involved with somewhat of a caveat.
“The undisputed No. 1 free agent hasn’t stirred many rumors since he was spotted touring the beautiful spring home of the Blue Jays in Dunedin, Fla. Toronto, which signed the biggest deal so far (Dylan Cease, $210 million) and leads in spending this winter, should be attractive due to their excellent team and spring location near Tucker’s Tampa home.
“Though he might not reach the early $400M predictions after his typically excellent but ultimately unsatisfying platform season with the Cubs, the all-around star (he, Mookie Betts, Aaron Judge, Juan Soto and José Ramírez are the only players to post a 4 WAR the past five seasons) should still be worth $300M-plus based on past deals and comps. But if he doesn’t mind resetting, the Dodgers could become an option for a short term and high AAV. The Yankees and Mets (and all big-market teams) have checked in, but Cody Bellinger’s versatility and the lower price take makes him the New York mark — at least for now.”
The Dodgers likely will not go for a megadeal in the seven-to-eight year range (or even higher). Toronto would appear to be more willing to dip its toes into those waters.
Having said that, a shorter-term deal in the four-to-five year ballpark likely would be hugely enticing for the Dodgers. A deal can even be constructed where opt-outs occur so Tucker can reenter the market if he so chooses.
At this point, it’s about maximizing the apex prime of Shohei Ohtani. Getting Tucker in the mix to help Ohtani cement his personal legacy — as well as the Dodgers overall legacy — does seem to be hugely appealing under the right circumstances.
Given the Dodgers lack of activity in terms of acquiring an outfielder whether via trade or free agency up to this point, it’s very feasible to assume the team is waiting on what Tucker does before pivoting one way or another.
There’s no real rush for Andrew Friedman and his front office to act given the team’s treasure trove of assets to play with.
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