The Los Angeles Dodgers are going for it in 2026. Just like they have been going for it the past two years, which resulted in World Series wins. Just like they’ve been since 2012. And just like they’ve been for the entire 21st century thus far, minus a handful of years.
Dodgers GM Andrew Friedman’s next big splash could be outfielder Kyle Tucker, according to CBS Sports’ Dayn Perry. Los Angeles could reportedly “vigorously pursue” Tucker this offseason, given their freed-up books and rotation stability.
“The Dodgers are the best in baseball, not only in terms of winning championships but also when it comes to spending and maneuvering to that end. That's grounds for praise, especially these days. Given all that, the expectation is that president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman will again be aggressive in trying to position his team to win the World Series for a third straight season. The rotation figures to be in good shape -- Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani are all still under contract -- with ace quality at multiple spots and depth to spare. Elsewhere, though, the Dodgers could use an upgrade at one of the outfield corners. As such, don't be surprised if they vigorously pursue Kyle Tucker, the top free agent available. The bullpen probably also needs work. If the recent past is any guide, the Dodgers won't be far from the headlines this winter,” Perry wrote.
The Dodgers will reportedly face competition from the rival San Francisco Giants within the NL West. While the Giants are a “dark horse” landing spot for Tucker, they’re seemingly unlikely to land him because of the money tied up in Rafael Devers, Willy Adames, and Matt Chapman. If San Francisco is going to add some headline names for the dawning of the Tony Vitello era, it won’t be one as seismic as Tucker.
Elsewhere, the New York Yankees could pursue Tucker, but they’re apparently weary of his injury history. The Yankees are also known to want to retain both Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham.
The New York Mets also want in on Tucker, and project to be a strong contender after a late-season collapse has upset the powers that be in Queens.
Of course, the Cubs don’t want to go down without a fight. The odds are strongly against Chicago ponying up what it takes to retain him, though.
If it comes down to money, the Dodgers need to be considered the odds-on favorite to land Tucker. In baseball, like most professional and college sports, it often comes down to money.