The Los Angeles Dodgers have made their plan clear: acquire as many top players as possible.
A straightforward but expensive approach has catapulted the Dodgers atop the Majors, and despite some injury concerns, they are well-positioned to win a second consecutive World Series.
Whether it be the Shohei Ohtani 10-year, $700 million deal, plucking Blake Snell from the rival San Francisco Giants, signing Japanese stars like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Saki, or even semi-recent acquisitions like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, this is a front office that is not afraid to spend.
A recent report from Bob Nightengale of USA Today detailed Los Angeles’ potential next move: going after Chicago Cubs outfielder and pending free agent Kyle Tucker.
Here is what Nightengale had to say:
“The Los Angeles Dodgers plan to jump into the free-agent fray for Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker this winter. They may not be the high bidder, but they’ll surely keep everyone honest just as they did when they were in the Juan Soto sweepstakes.”
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani celebrates with teammate Michael Conforto after hitting a three-run home run in the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Tucker, at 28 years old, is due for a mega payday this winter and could approach somewhere in the 12-year, $500 million range. It seems ludicrous that the Dodgers could add another all-world player to an already star-laden roster, but they will have a hole in the outfield with starting left fielder Michael Conforto on an expiring contract.
Replacing Conforto, a fine player in his own right, with someone of Tucker’s quality would ignite rage across the league and intensify the demands for salary restrictions.
The Dodgers signing Tucker would also break baseball and create a team that could all but guarantee at least a pennant-winning campaign. Imagine a top of the lineup of Ohtani, Betts, Freeman, and Tucker, along with Will Smith, Teoscar Hernández, and Tommy Edman still there.
Tucker is likely going to receive interest from every franchise this offseason and should have his pick of the litter. One potential downside for Los Angeles is that Tucker could be the face of most franchises, but would get a little lost in the shuffle on this team.
But if Nightengale is right, this may just be the Dodgers flexing their muscles and trying to intimidate other front offices.
