Headlines

  • Giants Close To Hiring Tony Vitello As Manager
  • Latest On Tigers, Tarik Skubal
  • Phillies Expected To Trade Or Release Nick Castellanos
  • Nestor Cortes Undergoes Arm Surgery
  • Aaron Judge Will Not Require Elbow Surgery; Rodón, Volpe Expected To Start 2026 On IL
  • Anthony Volpe Undergoes Shoulder Surgery
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Athletics
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2026-27 MLB Free Agent List
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2026
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Dodgers Expected To Pursue Kyle Tucker This Offseason

By Nick Deeds | October 18, 2025 at 6:49pm CDT

The Dodgers are back in the World Series to defend the title they won last year after sweeping the Brewers out of the NLCS, but while they wait to see which of the Mariners and Blue Jays will emerge from the ALCS to challenge them for the commissioner’s trophy it appears their front office has already directed one eye towards the coming offseason. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports this evening that Los Angeles is expected to target star outfielder Kyle Tucker when free agency opens up following the World Series.

The news is hardly a surprise, as the Dodgers are routinely involved with the game’s marquee free agents. They famously won the sweepstakes for both Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto during the 2023-24 offseason, and while last winter saw them miss on young superstar Juan Soto after landing as one of five finalists for his services, they still went on to spend plenty in free agency as they brought in Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, and Tanner Scott among a number of other signings and re-signings.

Impressive as the Dodgers have been this year, one of the team’s few major flaws is their production in the outfield. Andy Pages (113 wRC+) has emerged as a legitimate regular in center field, but Teoscar Hernandez (102 wRC+) took a significant step back last year relative to his first season in Los Angeles and the Michael Conforto experiment ended disastrously as he posted a wRC+ of just 83 with negative WAR in 138 games before being left off the club’s postseason rosters. With Conforto headed back into free agency this winter, there’s an opening on the grass in Los Angeles that Tucker could fit into quite nicely.

Tucker, 28, is a four-time All-Star who is the consensus pick for this winter’s top free agent. He broke out with the Astros back in 2021, and since then he’s hit a sensational .277/.365/.514 (143 wRC+) across five seasons of work. His resume was impressive enough that the Cubs were convinced to surrender top prospect Cam Smith and All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes (alongside young starter Hayden Wesneski) in a three-player package to acquire Tucker ahead of his final year under team control. Tucker was everything the Cubs were hoping for in the first half this year, as he slashed .291/.295/.537 with 17 homers in 83 games through the end of June.

At that point, Tucker seemed likely to find himself at the center of discussions about whether or not he’d join Ohtani, Soto, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in landing a guarantee of more than $500MM this winter. Things took a turn for the worse in the second half, however. Tucker made two trips to the injured list and hit just .225/.348/.342 in 53 games from July 1 onward, leaving him with fewer homers (22) in 136 games this year than he managed in 78 games during his injury-shortened 2024 season (23).

Heyman writes that Tucker’s tough second half has knocked down his expected price tag somewhat, but that a $300MM contract could still be realistic with even $400MM as a possible goal for the outfielder’s camp. That’s the type of price tag that’s sure to give pause to plenty of suitors, should it come to fruition. That’s unlikely to be the case for the Dodgers, who have a payroll of $395MM this year according to RosterResource and will see that figure drop to $329MM next year without making offseason additions. Even if Los Angeles isn’t willing to surpass this year’s payroll (and there’s been no indication that’s the case to this point), they’d still have plenty of room in the budget to add Tucker if they so chose.

Looking at other potential suitors, the Cubs have indicated at least some interest in bringing Tucker back into the fold next year. With that said, it should be noted that they’ve never spent more than the $184MM they gave Jason Heyward during the 2015-16 offseason on a contract in club history. That would be a significant jump out of the club’s apparent comfort zone under chairman Tom Ricketts and president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer, though it could be argued that trading for Tucker in the first place was similarly out of character.

Heyman also suggests that the Red Sox, Phillies, and Giants could be in the mix for Tucker’s services, though none of those potential landing spots are quite as obvious fits as Los Angeles is. Boston has a very crowded outfield mix as it is, with Jarren Duran, Roman Anthony, and Wilyer Abreu all left-handed outfielders under long-term team control who belong in everyday roles and profile best in a corner. The Phillies have made it clear their top priority this winter is retaining star DH Kyle Schwarber, and it remains to be seen if the Giants are interested in adding another corner bat on a massive contract after trading for Rafael Devers back in June.

Share Repost Send via email

Los Angeles Dodgers Kyle Tucker

Nick Hundley Withdrew From Giants’ Managerial Search
Main
Looking For A Match In A Sonny Gray Trade
View Comments (183)
Post a Comment

183 Comments

  1. chandlerbing

    4 hours ago

    jesus christ
    dodgers havent bought enough superstars yet?
    tucker too?!

    23
    Reply
    • Joe says...

      4 hours ago

      Tell me you’re not taking Jon Heyman seriously.

      16
      Reply
      • seamaholic 2

        3 hours ago

        Tucker is not a Boras client, so the usual snark re Heyman does not appear to be relevant.

        4
        Reply
        • Fever Pitch Guy

          2 hours ago

          seam – Yes, and I do believe the Dodgers like to stay away from Boras clients as much as possible.

          1
          Reply
      • Steinbrenner2728

        3 hours ago

        chandlerbing is the master at commenting first and thinking last, Joe says…

        He is not to be taken seriously.

        2
        Reply
        • Ilovesharia

          3 hours ago

          Hall monitor here we come!

          1
          Reply
        • Unclemike1526

          3 hours ago

          As long as his new address and team doesn’t start with “Chicago” it works for me.

          3
          Reply
        • rememberthecoop

          3 hours ago

          Are you crazy? its not our money. I’d.love to have him back even despite the injuries and ineffectiveness.

          1
          Reply
        • Unclemike1526

          3 hours ago

          I’ll help him pack if he’ll leave now.

          4
          Reply
        • neurogame

          2 hours ago

          When parking, tickets, concessions and other perks of the ballpark go up, you’ll see that it is your money helping to field players.

          1
          Reply
        • rememberthecoop

          55 mins ago

          What does ot matter, we’re done anyway? And if youre looking to point fingers, while youre at it you.might want to look @ PCA. He was terrible in the 2nd half and even his defense suffered a bit. Happ was bad first half, then got hot for awhile but was awfule when we needed him.

          Reply
        • kgcubs

          41 mins ago

          Aloha Uncle, Many Cub fans don’t understand that Tucker even before his injury and horrific slump had bad splits. They don’t want to hear that he didn’t perform well in Wrigley. We need gritty players that can deal with real weather, the outdoors. Tucker came from a nice closed in dome/park his first 7yrs in the majors. His defense also regressed in Wrigley. Nothing against him. I’ll help you pack his bags, lol! Take care now. Mahalo!

          Reply
    • BlueSkies_LA

      3 hours ago

      Jesus Christ has joined the chat.

      2
      Reply
      • AHH-Rox

        3 hours ago

        If you listen to the TV broadcasters, Jesus is apparently wearing #17 for the Dodgers.

        2
        Reply
        • BlueSkies_LA

          3 hours ago

          According to my Bible, Jesus didn’t have the fastball.

          2
          Reply
        • The Gambler

          2 hours ago

          Good thing Ohtanis interpreter took the heat for the betting eh? Lmao whatta sham

          Reply
        • El Kabong

          2 hours ago

          Eh. Jesus was okay but Felipe and Matty were better.

          Reply
    • James123

      3 hours ago

      and this is just weird- they literally have 3 of the most interesting young OF prospects in baseball- so they do not need a long term piece that tucker would be- they need a 2 year stop gap.

      note- De Paula, Quintenero and Hope, all 3 are 20, reached AA (except Quinenero who is in high A). They should all be ready in about year since elite prospects tend to need less time in the upper minors- and for refrenve MLB.com as quinenero 34th overall, and is the worst rated of the bunch- and they are low on him. This is an elite group of prospects.

      2
      Reply
      • rememberthecoop

        3 hours ago

        Prospects are just suspects until proven otherwise.

        3
        Reply
      • neurogame

        2 hours ago

        Although they do have talent in the minors like you mentioned, remember that they have the oldest infield in baseball and Ohtani in his prime. They can’t waste the best years of him like the Angels did and need to maximize the productivity that’s left from Freeman (36 yrs), Muncy (35 HRs), Betts (33 yrs), Teoscar (33 yrs).

        Bringing up those prospects and having them succeed may be the ideal, but perhaps they’d feel more comfortable with the return on output with a sure thing like Tucker.

        Reply
        • Blue Baron

          2 hours ago

          neurogame: Muncy is 35 homers old? 🤣

          Reply
      • seamaholic 2

        1 hour ago

        Dodgers always just trade their prospects for stars they can shovel money to.

        Reply
    • For Love of the Game

      3 hours ago

      Color me shocked!
      . .
      O

      Reply
    • CubFan36

      1 hour ago

      George Steinbrenner era was child’s play compared to this Dodgers franchise today.

      Reply
    • McGriff HR

      1 hour ago

      Chandlerbing

      What about Jesus Christ? I know you can’t comment without talking about Jesus Christ, it’s difficult, but do try.

      Reply
  2. GabrielMorenoSuperfan

    4 hours ago

    Please, for the love of God please don’t.

    8
    Reply
    • Butter Biscuits

      3 hours ago

      This is just to rile up the fans. There will be a handful teams looking to sign him. Dodgers simply check on everyone that’s all.

      2
      Reply
      • sad tormented neglected mariners fan

        2 hours ago

        Until they actually sign him and rile up everyone outside of California

        Dave Roberts said the goal is for everyone to be angry

        Reply
        • Bivouac-Sal

          2 hours ago

          @sad

          That’s not what Dave Roberts said. Put it in context. What Doc said was:

          “Before the season started, they said, ‘The Dodgers are ruining baseball,’” Roberts said. “Let’s get four more wins and really ruin baseball.”

          1
          Reply
      • Fever Pitch Guy

        2 hours ago

        Butter – No, I actually called out Tucker to the Dodgers a while ago when others were saying they’d target Skubal.

        I pointed out the need for offense is there, especially with the aging Dodgers position players.

        I wouldn’t be surprised if Tucker is the only big name Dodgers acquisition this coming offseason.

        1
        Reply
    • Blue Baron

      2 hours ago

      GabrielMorenoSuperfan: Why are you bringing God into this? 🤷‍♂️

      Reply
  3. Never Remember

    4 hours ago

    That is great news. If that gets him the most money, good for him. The other owners want to be cheap and whine and cry poverty while making hundreds of millions and their fans are so easily fooled it is pathetic.

    12
    Reply
    • Ilovesharia

      3 hours ago

      Why do only 25% of NY Jews approve of a guy that that is about to win the mayor of ny?

      2
      Reply
      • Blue Baron

        2 hours ago

        Ilovesharia: I don’t know, maybe because of antisemitic shmucks like you.

        4
        Reply
    • CarlEverettsPetDinosaur

      3 hours ago

      I’m sick of this stupid and uneducated take. the dodgers have a media deal that was approved by MLB that gives them an unprecedented revenue stream. No other team, not even the Yankees have this. But to be fair, the blame should lie on MLB for this unbalanced garbage.

      11
      Reply
      • Steinbrenner2728

        3 hours ago

        A good amount of owners do still cry poor and refuse to spend, though.

        A more stupid and uneducated set of takes, however, are Carl Everett’s denial of the Moon Landings and his disapproval of the LGBT movement.

        1
        Reply
        • Ilovesharia

          3 hours ago

          Wow. Didn’t know you thought over 90 percent of non American Muslims are stupid and uneducated. Bigot

          Reply
        • CarlEverettsPetDinosaur

          3 hours ago

          my comment wasn’t directed at you. it was directed at the take that all owners can spend like the dodgers. quit crying and being so sensitive.

          1
          Reply
        • CarlEverettsPetDinosaur

          3 hours ago

          my name is a shot at Carl Everett’s idiotic views. You’re obviously too dim-witted to realize that

          Reply
        • CarlEverettsPetDinosaur

          2 hours ago

          my screen name is a shot taken at Everett’s idiotic views. You’re obviously too dim-witted to realize that.

          Reply
        • sad tormented neglected mariners fan

          2 hours ago

          I’m so dim witted I needed a second comment to realize it I think I need a 3rd

          1
          Reply
        • Ilovesharia

          2 hours ago

          Lol. Multi account spotted

          3
          Reply
        • Blue Baron

          2 hours ago

          Ilovesharia: Not 90%. Just people like you who post hatred.

          Reply
        • Hitsthemhighandfar

          18 mins ago

          Don’t you have a “family friendly” drag show to go to?

          Reply
      • neurogame

        2 hours ago

        Under the current MLB Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), teams contribute almost half of their local revenue to a central pool, which is then equally redistributed among all 30

        With this in mind, each team receives AT LEAST $110 million annually from the local revenue share, plus approximately $90 million from shared national revenue, for a total of over $200 million in shared funds.

        Now, how the owners of those teams use that extra revenue is up to their discretion. How do you think your team is using it?

        1
        Reply
  4. bucsfan0004

    4 hours ago

    I would bet on LA getting both Tucker and Bichette than them getting neither

    Reply
    • abcrazy4dodgers

      3 hours ago

      There isn’t a need for Bichette.

      1
      Reply
      • georgebell 2

        3 hours ago

        Might as well grab a spare infielder/DH

        1
        Reply
      • seamaholic 2

        3 hours ago

        Sure there is. They don’t really have a SS. I’m sure they’d love to throw Mookie back in right.

        2
        Reply
        • Bivouac-Sal

          2 hours ago

          Do you watch the games seama? Mookie is playing top flight shortstop, making spectacular plays daily. In the short term–no pun intended–he’s not going back to the OF.

          2
          Reply
      • 69th rounder, 420th HOFer

        3 hours ago

        Sure there is you can put mookie back in the OF and play bichette at ss

        Tucker, Pages, Betts

        Might as well sign Bregman

        Bregman
        Bichette
        Edman
        Freeman
        Smith

        1
        Reply
        • sad tormented neglected mariners fan

          2 hours ago

          Yeah it would be so nice for the dodgers to have muncy and teoscar on the bench

          2
          Reply
    • neurogame

      2 hours ago

      Mookie is rated as a better defensive shortstop than Bichette. It wouldn’t make sense to pay the latter all that money just to be a defensive downgrade.

      Reply
  5. rhandome

    3 hours ago

    SALARY

    CAP

    8
    Reply
    • Four4fore

      3 hours ago

      And floor. Plus deferred money needs to be addressed.

      8
      Reply
      • BlueSkies_LA

        3 hours ago

        Addressed? Why? Jae?

        1
        Reply
        • BlueSkies_LA

          3 hours ago

          Meaning, how. Thanks autoincorrect.

          2
          Reply
        • Four4fore

          2 hours ago

          Only Dodger fans require an explanation. The money placed in escrow should be counted the same as the salary while active. No other franchise has the revenue streams to be able to compete. Granted most would be unwilling if they did, but they don’t.

          1
          Reply
        • Wilted halo

          23 mins ago

          Only losers like you need to insult fans of THE best team in baseball gfy

          Reply
      • seamaholic 2

        3 hours ago

        Deferrals aren’t as big a deal as people think they are. The Dodgers are paying every dime of Ohtani’s salary … just not to him yet. It is a lux tax evasion strategy to some degree, yes, but he still counts something like $50m vs the tax every year. Point being, only the Dodgers and one or two others could have signed that contract because they are actually sending $70m every year into escrow.

        1
        Reply
        • BlueSkies_LA

          3 hours ago

          You are correct up to calling it a tax evasion strategy. No tax is evaded. And it’s less than no big deal. It’s no deal at all.

          2
          Reply
        • The Raven

          3 hours ago

          It is a tax evasion strategy if following his playing career he relocates to a low-tax residence. At least on CA legislator introduced a bill to outlaw this practice.

          So, this can mean, and I stress can, that while he plays CA residents lose out on that tax revenue.

          Not that I agree or disagree, but there is enough here to raise eyebrows on some.

          3
          Reply
        • James123

          3 hours ago

          the arguement is that a team carrying that on their books will use it as a reason to not pay players later, so they are paying players now that would harm players in 5 years.

          Reply
        • BlueSkies_LA

          3 hours ago

          No state (with an income tax) would allow any worker to get away this, and I don’t see a need for a law to prohibit it. Income is taxable when and where it is earned.

          1
          Reply
        • BlueSkies_LA

          3 hours ago

          No such argument exists.

          Reply
        • outinleftfield

          3 hours ago

          He counts $46 million towards the tax. They are placing about $44 million in escrow and with compounding interest that will pay the $68 million being deferred to 2034 to 2043.

          His contract is laid out in this way:

          10 years/$700M (2024-33)

          signed by LA Dodgers as a free agent 12/12/23

          24-33: $70M annually, with $68M deferred each year
          deferred money will be paid without interest in equal $68M installments each July 1 from 2034 to 2043

          discounted to reflect present value, the deal is worth:
          – $28,210,787 per year for purposes of calculating annual salary, using the 10% rate required by Article XV(k) of MLB’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (8.5% prime rate, plus 1%, rounded to the nearest full percentage point)
          – $28,313,523 for 2024 per MLB’s Labor Relations Department
          – $46,076,768 for purposes of calculating average annual value for Competitive Balance Tax payroll, using a 4.43% rate (Oct. 2023), the annual IRS mid-term rate required by CBA Article XXIII(E)(6)
          – $437,830,563 in total, according to calculation by MLB Players Association

          2
          Reply
        • 69th rounder, 420th HOFer

          3 hours ago

          10 year 700 mill but only counts 46 mill against the cap while he’s playing

          Yeah it’s cbt tax evasion

          You can defer money but 100% of the contract should count against your cbt number even if you’re just paying him 46 mill a year and restrictions need to be put in place like if you spend a billion dollars in deferred money you should be forced to pay extra for deferring so much.

          Say
          0-50 mill no penalty
          51-200 mill 10% penalty
          201-400 mill 25% penalty
          401-600 50% penalty
          601-800 75% penalty
          800- over 100% penalty

          It’s ridiculous for a team to put deferred money into essentially a saving account let it accrue enough interest so it doesn’t hurt their bottom line having to pay for guys once the contract ends. There needs to be restrictions and checks.

          7
          Reply
        • Steinbrenner2728

          3 hours ago

          I find it funny how Ohtani is playing the way he is, not making a fuss and never bashing others or making a fool out of himself, while internet denizens go to all-out warfare with keyboard weaponry to oust his supposed dictatorial Tojo-like chokehold on baseball.

          It’s hilarious.

          3
          Reply
        • BlueSkies_LA

          2 hours ago

          You are right on the math but I think it is easier to understand deferrals when they are explained as loans to the team, on which the team pays interest at a rate set in the CBA. The CBA itself describes them this way.

          Also, the deferral accounts are not an escrow. They are held by and invested by the team. The only third party involved is MLB. The teams must send them quarterly reports on the deferral accounts.

          1
          Reply
        • 69th rounder, 420th HOFer

          2 hours ago

          I find it funny ohtani will never see you gallabanting around chatrooms for him defending his honor with your gluteus Maximus and how you’d make readily available for coitus with the shogun himself at a moments notice. Ha zah!

          1
          Reply
        • Alan53

          2 hours ago

          For once I agree with you, Stein, and you put it very well.

          1
          Reply
        • NyyfaninLAA land

          2 hours ago

          The Dodgers would be paying ~$40 million more in tax this year and next and we’ll see what after the next CBA. They are taxed on the “present value” of the contracts but never pay tax on the actual value of those deals.
          I don’t pay tax on my 401K deposits, but do when I take the money in retirement. They will never pay luxury tax on those deferred $’s.
          So try again to tell me how no tax is evaded?

          1
          Reply
        • Gary Z

          1 hour ago

          You obviously don’t understand present value. He is not earning $70 million per year if $68 million is deferred each year for 10 years. The Dodgers are investing that money in the meantime, not him,

          Reply
        • outinleftfield

          1 hour ago

          Blue, in this case Ohtani earns no interest. The team on the other hand is relying on interest to make up the difference between the $44 million they are required to place in escrow and the $68 million deferred payment.

          That money is not held by the team. The CBA requires it to be held in an escrow account. The team may be able to choose the escrow company and the types of investments made with the interest earned on that account, but they cannot withdraw and use the principal so it is very much an escrow account.

          mlbplayers.com/_files/ugd/4d23dc_d6dfc2344d2042de9…

          Reply
        • seamaholic 2

          1 hour ago

          No you don’t understand how it works. Dodgers pay out Ohtani’s salary while he is playing, like for any other player. Only difference is it goes to a bank not him, where it grows. The team does not have to fit his salary into their budget after he’s gone.

          Reply
        • seamaholic 2

          1 hour ago

          Wrong. Income is taxed where and when it is PAID to the earner. Avoiding CA income tax through deferrals is an old trick that high earning tech execs have used for years. The state legislature has been toying with banning it for a long time.

          Reply
        • 69th rounder, 420th HOFer

          32 mins ago

          You obviously can’t read

          10 years 700 mill

          70 aav should count against cbt tax thresholds.

          They can pay him 46 mill a year but the actual contract should is what cbt calculations should be based on.

          Reply
        • 69th rounder, 420th HOFer

          30 mins ago

          10 years 700 mill and 70 aav should be the cbt hit. Not 46. That’s it. That’s the point.

          Reply
    • Dubbs

      3 hours ago

      No.

      Reply
  6. Ilovesharia

    3 hours ago

    Lol. And they probably support mandani too. We know that foppert and never remember do

    Reply
    • foppert3

      3 hours ago

      Jeez Dude. You are on a tear.
      I’ll let you know definitely. No problem. Just ask.
      First up. Who is Mandani ?

      1
      Reply
      • Ilovesharia

        3 hours ago

        The “socialist’ that 25 percent of NY Jews approve of. Why would almost all dem leaders support him? Why does he have such a low jew approval?

        Reply
        • Bivouac-Sal

          3 hours ago

          Probably because his main campaign trolls blather on a baseball site.

          5
          Reply
        • Ilovesharia

          3 hours ago

          English?

          Reply
        • foppert3

          3 hours ago

          Mate. You got me. Not across him at all. That’s a bit to keep up with in your country. A man’s only human. My apologies.

          1
          Reply
    • MLBtheSho(hei)

      3 hours ago

      What?

      Reply
    • TeacherTim

      3 hours ago

      This guy is a bot/troll. He keeps making the same comment over and over again. Just flag his posts. Nothing to do with baseball.

      6
      Reply
      • Ilovesharia

        3 hours ago

        Didn’t see you flag the others, hypocrite

        Reply
        • TeacherTim

          2 hours ago

          I did, actually.

          Take this nonsense to Reddit or something. No need to spam a baseball website with your political opinions.

          3
          Reply
  7. Roll

    3 hours ago

    Time to just make it simple math 10 yrs 700 mil 70M AAV not “value” with taking money off for deferred money. How they want to pay it out is between the player and the team.

    3
    Reply
    • BlueSkies_LA

      3 hours ago

      Maybe simple people need simple math, but anyone with grade school level financial literacy knows that what you’re suggesting is completely nonsensical.

      1
      Reply
      • myaccount2

        2 hours ago

        It’s really a pretty simple argument. I don’t agree with it necessarily because I believe MLB has a handle on it, but really, you making a big fuss and commenting on every single thread within this comment section/not agreeing with it has 95+% to do with being a Dodgers fan.

        4
        Reply
        • BlueSkies_LA

          2 hours ago

          No, it has 100% to do with not being financially feebleminded.

          2
          Reply
        • myaccount2

          2 hours ago

          Yeah, of course, you’re always right and there’s no other alternative possibilities that can be logical! Give me a break. You’re one of the biggest homers on this website.

          3
          Reply
      • Roll

        43 mins ago

        explain how it is nonsensical?

        majority of the teams in the league do it that way. You cant say it cant be done with big contracts because aaron judge gets 10 years 400 million and its averaged at 40M a year, bryce harper with the biggest contract at the time he signed it doesnt have deferrals juan soto who has the biggest contract doesnt have deferrals but is not paid out evenly every year but is an AAV.

        Also to get what deferred dollars are worth today is just a guess. Lets say bryce harper did a deferral structure similar to ohtani. Using eggs as an example of value, a dozen was about 1.50 in 2019 beginning of this year it was over 6 bucks and even now its still about 3.50 which is still over 100 percent increase. Does that mean they will reforecast that “value” of the contract because i very much doubt they would have accounted for that amount of inflation that quick as we hadnt gotten locked down with you know what at that point. This would actually lower his tax hit as the “value” would have dropped by quite a bit and not the usual expected COLA of 2ish percent.

        So let them defer the pay schedule how ever they want but AAV for tax purposes should be the straight easy calc total guaranteed salary / years. to get actual AAV. so 700M / 10 years = 70M AAV not 40M

        1
        Reply
        • myaccount2

          24 mins ago

          It’s not nonsensical, he’s just a homer. There are valid takes for both sides of the argument. To suggest otherwise is goofy, and he should not be taken seriously.

          Reply
    • seamaholic 2

      53 mins ago

      That would be strange. The $70m he will get in 2035 is simply not worth $70m today. Nor are the Dodgers paying out that much. Deferred salaries should just be banned.

      Reply
  8. CravenMoorehead

    3 hours ago

    At this point we should be seeing articles about the top free-agents that the Dodgers aren’t interested in.

    3
    Reply
    • Steinbrenner2728

      3 hours ago

      That would make a long list.

      2
      Reply
    • Gary Z

      1 hour ago

      All these articles about who the Dodgers are interested in at this point are nothing more than clickbait. A team cannot express any interest in a player before free agency starts or they’d face significant penalties from MLB. Many if not most of the articles are written by AI anyway. Even after free agency starts, the players agents whisper to reporters that the rich teams like the Dodgers, Mets and Yankees are interested even if they aren’t to push up the bidding. Don’t fall for this annual bullcrap.

      Reply
  9. rememberthecoop

    3 hours ago

    Tucker’s OBP was.much higher than. 295 in the first half. Must be a typo. And for everyone yelling for a cap, your teams can afford to spend much more. A floor would be much better IMO. If you’re a billionaire owner as almost all those guys are, this shouldn’t be a business it should be a toy that you’d be happy breaking even on or as a loss leader.

    1
    Reply
    • James123

      3 hours ago

      they have a soft floor (if it is too low, union can complain, why the As spent on mid range FA last year to be above that line).

      I hate a yearly cap, and think there should be a floating 3-6 year cap. If you are playing a bunch of rookies, ou should not need to fill out your roster with overpaid vets, but those young guys will get paid- so just make teh floor a floating average of your payroll for the past 6 years (based upon years of control, if that changes i would change that timeframe)

      Reply
    • outinleftfield

      1 hour ago

      15 teams now have investors that are private equity firms. That means its 100% about how much money the team makes.

      Reply
  10. johns-11

    3 hours ago

    Surprising. The last team I thought would go after a big name and salary.

    3
    Reply
  11. Luke Strong

    3 hours ago

    They can have him, something seems off with him, I suspect he’ll never be as good as he once was. He has bad contract written all over him.

    5
    Reply
    • Old York

      3 hours ago

      @Luke Strong

      I honestly believe that to be true.

      Reply
    • myaccount2

      2 hours ago

      His bat speed is below average, and declining bat speed rarely ages well. On top of that, he’s a poor defender. I think he’ll be above average/good for 2 more years, then average/mediocre for 3 or so, then however many remain on his contract will go poorly.

      1
      Reply
      • Alan53

        2 hours ago

        Prepare to be ripped, myaccount. You are absolutely correct, but I know from experience that anyone who tells the truth about Tucker is excoriated by the mob. I’m not sure why it is so important for people to overrate him–there might be multiple reasons–but it is.

        Reply
    • whitesoxsadness

      2 hours ago

      lol what

      Reply
      • myaccount2

        2 hours ago

        What do you not understand about any of the comments made here?

        Reply
  12. Redwolves3

    3 hours ago

    If Friedman wants Tucker he will do whatever it takes to sign him this offseason

    LA Deferrals have much to offer that other teams don’t have – Ohtani, Betts, Freeman, Snell, Yamamoto, Glasnow, postseason play every year & mega $$$ to offer Tucker

    3
    Reply
  13. possible donkey

    3 hours ago

    Just the dodgers driving up the market.

    3
    Reply
  14. Bivouac-Sal

    3 hours ago

    I think it’s possibly more likely Dodgers go for Trent Grisham.

    Reply
    • Ilovesharia

      3 hours ago

      Why do only 1/4 of ny Jews support the future mayor?

      Reply
    • seamaholic 2

      3 hours ago

      They have a very good young center fielder already. That seems unlikely.

      1
      Reply
      • Bivouac-Sal

        3 hours ago

        Pages already moves to the corners in late innings frequently. As competent as he is in CF, his arm is a natural for RF.

        Reply
  15. dpcollects

    3 hours ago

    I’m just hoping they have enough resources to get Paul Skenes and Gunnar Henderson too.

    2
    Reply
  16. Steinbrenner2728

    3 hours ago

    I think Jon Heyman mis-misidentified him for Mile Trucker.

    1
    Reply
    • CravenMoorehead

      2 hours ago

      I’m really interested to see what Cody Bellinger signs for tbh. He’ll probably wait for Tucker to sign knowing he’s a Boras client.

      1
      Reply
      • YankeesBleacherCreature

        2 hours ago

        More than Brandon Nimmo so ~$175M to $190M is my guess.

        Reply
      • outinleftfield

        54 mins ago

        I think rumors are going to be that he is asking for 7/210 and his contract will end up at 5/140 to 6/165. Basically the AAV he had on his current deal, just over more years.

        Reply
  17. TJECK109

    3 hours ago

    Dodgers should have an expansion team. Fold a team like the Pirates. Let the Dodgers have 2 teams so they can sign everyone and give everyone ample playing time.

    Reply
    • Old York

      3 hours ago

      @TJECK109

      Los Angeles Dodgers of Pittsburgh.

      1
      Reply
  18. alstott40

    3 hours ago

    who gets to a half billion dollar payroll first ? dodgers or mets ? ?

    Reply
    • outinleftfield

      51 mins ago

      With CBT fines the Dodgers are already well over that for 2025.

      Reply
    • seamaholic 2

      50 mins ago

      Dodgers are already well over once you count tax. $550m this year or thereabouts. And they are probably still top five in profits. That’s how much more revenue they have than most teams.

      Reply
  19. NYMETSHEA

    3 hours ago

    Wish the Mets would go after Tucker. Move Soto to left field, Nimmo to center field, and Tucker in right with Tyrone Taylor as 4th outfielder. Not ideal defense but…maybe DH Soto half the time.

    1
    Reply
    • ChuckyNJ

      1 hour ago

      It would be so LOLmets for them to sign Tucker when their last high-dollar free agent signing couldn’t get them to October.

      Reply
      • rct

        1 hour ago

        @Chucky: You sound like a bitter Yankees fan. Soto was the best player on the Mets. It wasn’t his fault they missed the postseason. Lil bro syndrome as a Yankees fan.

        1
        Reply
        • ChuckyNJ

          1 hour ago

          Yankees don’t need Tucker cos they have bigger needs elsewhere, like SS and the starting rotation.
          And your “lil bro syndrome” gets blown up with every instance of LOLmets.

          Reply
      • outinleftfield

        28 mins ago

        It is so Chucky the Troll to think that one player gets a team to October.

        Soto had a 1.016 OPS/181 wRC+ with 18 HR in August and September. His level of play down the stretch was nothing short of incredible. Only Ohtani was better.

        The Mets collapse had nothing to do with his play and everything to do with the 5+ ERA of their starting pitching rotation.

        Reply
  20. SunsetStripper

    3 hours ago

    Of course they are

    1
    Reply
  21. rememberthecoop

    3 hours ago

    No Yankees? Now keep in mind this is Jon “Arson” Heyman, but saying that the Dodgers will go after Tucker is like saying water is wet. And as to the comment about how trading for Tucker was out of character for the Cubs, it’s worth noting that at the time Hoyer was trying to save his job and was apparently under an edict to make the playoffs. Once he got his extension, all that aggressiveness was suddenly gone. The Cubs might – and I really have to stress the word “might” – offer him 10, 300M. But that won’t get it done. However, then they will be able to tell us fans that they tried. Another team that should be spending a.lot.more based on their revenue. That said, there’s no way in hell that Tucker will be wearing a Cubs jersey in 2026.

    1
    Reply
    • Oppo nacho

      2 hours ago

      Is water wet?

      Reply
  22. junior25

    3 hours ago

    This is main reason why Baseball will strike in 2027 and may NEVER be the same when or if it comes back!

    Reply
    • Bivouac-Sal

      3 hours ago

      And don’t forget the sky is falling.

      Reply
    • Steinbrenner2728

      3 hours ago

      Ah, shut it and focus on your weekend homework, junior.

      1
      Reply
      • junior25

        1 hour ago

        Good Response! Bravo!

        Reply
    • Old York

      2 hours ago

      @junior25

      Because owners are too cheap to spend money on their team?

      Reply
      • Oppo nacho

        2 hours ago

        York you know full well that while some owners are cheap they can’t just throw money on too the burn pile and stay rich. Some teams are gonna make more money whether they win 80 games or 105, and some teams won’t make more even if they waste 100 million in free agency.

        Reply
      • junior25

        1 hour ago

        Thats the other part of the Problem. And neither side will meet in the middle

        Reply
    • ChuckyNJ

      1 hour ago

      Junior, any labor action would be a lockout by management.

      Reply
      • junior25

        53 mins ago

        Agree! Cause the players are to greedy but they are like that in all Sports

        Reply
  23. scruffmcgruff

    3 hours ago

    Okay so this ain’t necessarily a hot take per se. My O’s need a damn good hitter, preferably one that can man center field. There are some potential free agent options available at that spot, i.e. Bellinger and Bader. Personally I could accept a healthy Colton Cowser manning center if that meant I had Kyle Tucker in right. Beavers (who I think needs the most playing time), Jeremiah Jackson and O’Neill to fill out left field. Its not an ideal situation at all to be honest.

    The DH spot is probably going to be filled by a combo of Adley/Basallo/Mayo/O’neill during off days for each player in the field. O’ Neill still being here and showing himself (predictably) unreliable to stay on the field hurts the team and essentially prevents them from making a move for a reliable good hitter that they need.

    Though I will say even in the best case scenario, O’s realistically landing Tucker ain’t happening. He’s the type of bat I want and that the team needs, but it won’t happen unfortunately.

    1
    Reply
  24. foppert3

    3 hours ago

    We’ll just sweep the NLCS and let it be known we are after Tucker. Ha ha. Carnts. Too good.

    Reply
    • Steinbrenner2728

      3 hours ago

      Jon Heyman reported it, and of course a big team like the Dodgers are automatically assumed to absorb a contract like Tucker’s. Now, will they sign him or not? Who knows.

      Reply
  25. Bivouac-Sal

    3 hours ago

    Dodgers have other things on their mind right now.

    2
    Reply
    • foppert3

      3 hours ago

      Cruising.

      Reply
    • Ilovesharia

      3 hours ago

      Wow. What an accomplishment.snell,ohtani, yam. I bet all 30 teams had a real chance at all 3!

      Reply
    • BlueSkies_LA

      2 hours ago

      Yep. Which is why this looks like slow sports news day fodder.

      Reply
  26. Rsox

    3 hours ago

    Just what the Red Sox need; another LH Outfielder

    Reply
  27. ShaqFoo

    2 hours ago

    Why wouldn’t they..? Every top FA should be a Dodger. It’s beginning (not really) to become a mockery of even the veneer of fairness.

    Reply
    • Steinbrenner2728

      2 hours ago

      They’re “expected to pursue” not “to sign” him.

      1
      Reply
      • El Kabong

        2 hours ago

        Kinda like they pursued Soto. in the end, it was much ado about nothing.

        Reply
  28. Ilovesharia

    2 hours ago

    The dodger fans are like bill gates daughter bragging about being a billionaire when she is 60. Like congrats, I guess. Like how do you get joy out of winning a title if you are a fan. It would be much sweeter if you didn’t buy the entire league

    2
    Reply
  29. Quinnap89

    2 hours ago

    Honestly is anyone shocked? lol. Deferrals until 2060

    Reply
    • Steinbrenner2728

      2 hours ago

      Any team can do deferrals.

      Reply
      • Quinnap89

        2 hours ago

        True, didn’t say they couldn’t

        Reply
  30. mbgutt

    2 hours ago

    Salary cap and no deferred money! Save mlb

    1
    Reply
    • Steinbrenner2728

      2 hours ago

      Every team does deferrals. Save MLB from Manfred.

      1
      Reply
  31. Alan53

    2 hours ago

    Perfect landing spot for him. With the Dodgers he could be just a supporting player, which is all he really is. He’s a good player, but not the transformative presence in the lineup that Cubs fans were promised. And no, it wasn’t just the injuries: that flatfooted stance and loopy long swing are features of his game, not bugs, and they will follow him wherever he goes. Good luck to him. We Cubs fans have moved in.

    Reply
  32. zonapadre

    2 hours ago

    F the Dodgers

    Reply
  33. Logjammer D'Baggagecling

    2 hours ago

    It’s a real shame that Rob Manfred doesn’t have the balls to veto another Dodger contract worth more than 400 million dollars. They’re soaking a thick jar of marmalade in his wife’s purse.

    Reply
    • Steinbrenner2728

      2 hours ago

      What other Dodger contract is worth $400 million? Tucker? He hasn’t signed with anyone yet.

      Reply
      • Logjammer D'Baggagecling

        1 hour ago

        Ohtanis is for 700 mil. I have to assume he’s getting more than better at 350mil and more than Yoshi at 325 mil. They have 3 current contracts worth minimum 325mil Tucker would be the 4th at that amount and likely more. They also over paid will Smith over the 100 mil mark. They have Freddie over 150 mil they gave Pita Edman nearly 100 mil. It’s ridiculous the league lets them do this sheet
        ( i was literally spelling out the 4 letter not so pg word out hahahaha)

        Reply
  34. Sparky1000

    2 hours ago

    Salary cap and floor, please!

    1
    Reply
  35. El Kabong

    2 hours ago

    Hahaha. Heads exploding on a Saturday night over nothing.

    I love my Dodgers.

    1
    Reply
    • Ilovesharia

      2 hours ago

      Why? It’s just a corporation that by some luck you were born near.

      Reply
      • El Kabong

        2 hours ago

        Because it makes you angry.

        Reply
        • Ilovesharia

          2 hours ago

          Lol. I don’t care. I cared when my team lost when I was 12. Imagine bragging about someone else’s accomplishments

          Reply
        • El Kabong

          2 hours ago

          Who is bragging about somweone else’s accomplishments?

          Reply
  36. Steelers 6x

    2 hours ago

    This is stupid, fill up space when there is no game being played on Saturday night crud.

    The Dodgers are going to the World Series and if someone is truly stating to Heyman that they ate going to pursue Tucker they should be fired immediately. They have bigger fish to fry this week.

    Of course the Dodgers are going to pursue. So are the Cubs, Phillies, Giants, Jays, Yankees, yada yada yada.

    Just filling space until there is baseball or news actually happening.

    4
    Reply
  37. Butters

    2 hours ago

    It’s took the dodgers 8 postseason games to get to the World Series it’s taking Seattle and Toronto at least 10 and those two teams had a bye. Meaning of course the dodgers played more games. I’m no fan of theirs but damn!!

    Reply
    • ChuckyNJ

      1 hour ago

      Uhhh, the Dodgers had to play the wild card round so it took them 10 games to get to the Series.

      2
      Reply
  38. CenterWingPolitics

    2 hours ago

    It would actually make a little more sense for them to sign Ha Seong Kim and move Mookie back out to RF but hey whatever.

    At a point a player has to just say no thanks to LA and sign somewhere else. Philly makes a lot of sense as even with Schwarber there they could still look to supplant Castellanos in the OF. Or just move on from Schwarber completely.

    A dark horse I think for Tucker will be Atlanta. They are about 100 mil below where they were in 2024 before resetting this past season. Profar is terrible in the field, and they truly need another premier bat to pair with Acuña. A lot of folks will point to pitching but Atlanta really has had a scuffling offense the last two seasons. Tucker makes a lot of sense there.

    Reply
  39. 14thor

    2 hours ago

    He will be a huge overpay. Bunch of bankers running the Dodgers.

    Reply
  40. The Gambler

    1 hour ago

    Might as well let nascar drivers use whatever car designs they want as well maybe bring back hemis and super birds

    Reply
  41. Gary Z

    1 hour ago

    I love reading the comments from fans about how their team couldn’t afford to spend on players. The Tampa Rays have been close to winning it all many times but plead poverty and avoided spending what it would have taken to get them over the top. But loo, poor Stuart Sternberg paid $200 million for the team and just sold it for $1.7 billion. Think he might have been able to dole out a little more money along the way to win championships? If you believe the owner of your team can’t spend more money you are a sucker.

    1
    Reply
  42. YankeesBleacherCreature

    57 mins ago

    Some of you need to save your rage energy for Jon Heyman’s Dylan Cease-Dodgers article tomorrow.

    3
    Reply
  43. bryce1344

    50 mins ago

    Dodgers are going to trade for Nootbar or Donovan from Cards

    Reply
  44. CC Ryder

    50 mins ago

    Nooooooooo how shocking. He’s becoming injury prone so if he becomes a dodger I would hope that continues. However when you say they are expected to pursue Tucker that makes it sound as if they haven’t had contact with him already. Same as they never had contact with Ohtani until he became a free agent right, no one is that naive

    Reply
  45. Wilted halo

    18 mins ago

    If money makes a team great I guess we almost have a Mets Yankees World Series next week or would that be Yankee Phillies?

    Reply
    • CC Ryder

      14 mins ago

      Money helps to make a great team

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

    Top Stories

    Giants Close To Hiring Tony Vitello As Manager

    Latest On Tigers, Tarik Skubal

    Phillies Expected To Trade Or Release Nick Castellanos

    Nestor Cortes Undergoes Arm Surgery

    Aaron Judge Will Not Require Elbow Surgery; Rodón, Volpe Expected To Start 2026 On IL

    Anthony Volpe Undergoes Shoulder Surgery

    Alex Bregman Will Opt Out Of Red Sox Contract

    Mike Shildt Steps Down As Padres Manager

    Tigers Extended Manager A.J. Hinch Earlier This Season

    Munetaka Murakami To Be Posted This Offseason

    Cody Bellinger To Opt Out Of Contract With Yankees

    Angels, Albert Pujols Discussing Managerial Deal

    Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2026

    Rangers Hire Skip Schumaker As Manager

    Albert Pujols To Interview For Angels’ Managerial Vacancy, May Be “Leading Choice”

    Bill Schmidt Will Not Return As Rockies’ GM

    Brian Snitker Will Not Return As Braves’ Manager In 2026

    Angels To Have New Manager In 2026

    Rays Sale To Patrick Zalupski’s Group Officially Completed

    Guardians Promote Chase DeLauter For Wild Card Series

    Recent

    Looking For A Match In A Sonny Gray Trade

    Dodgers Expected To Pursue Kyle Tucker This Offseason

    Nick Hundley Withdrew From Giants’ Managerial Search

    Giants Close To Hiring Tony Vitello As Manager

    MLBTR Chat Transcript

    Brewers Expected To Consider Trading Freddy Peralta

    Martin Maldonado Announces Retirement

    X-Rays Negative On George Springer’s Right Knee After HBP

    Previewing The 2025-26 Free Agent Class: Center Field

    Previewing The 2025-26 Free Agent Class: Shortstop

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Every MLB Trade In July
    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android App Store Google Play

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
    • Front Office Originals
    • Tim Dierkes' MLB Mailbag
    • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
    • MLBTR Podcast
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2026-27 MLB Free Agent List
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2026
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • RSS/Twitter Feeds By Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

    hide arrows scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version