MLB Rumors: Kyle Tucker and the Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to terms on a four year, $240 million deal, per multiple reports. The deal reportedly includes opt outs after years 2 and 3, with $30 million deferred. The deferrals lower the overall annual average value to $57 million, which is still a record AAV.
Tucker, who turns 29 tomorrow, was considered the top free agent in this year’s class. He was acquired by the Chicago Cubs from the Houston Astros prior to the 2025 season in exchange for
Isaac Paredes, Cam Smith and Hayden Wesneski. Tucker put up a .266/.377/.464 slash line in 136 games, struggling in the second half as he dealt with injuries. He also missed half of the 2024 season due to a shin fracture after fouling a ball off his shin.
Over the last five seasons Tucker has slashed .277/.365/.514, and has stolen 105 bases in 119 attempts. Although he won a pair of Gold Gloves earlier in his career, his defensive metrics the last few seasons have declined, and he’s more of an average defensive right fielder at this point.
The next couple of free agent classes are relatively weak as far as hitters go, which presumably helped Tucker’s market, since there will be no one of his caliber available to sign in the free agent market in the near future. Tucker was expected to command a deal of at least 10 years. I do not know whether that sort of massive, long-term deal was out there or not, but regardless, Tucker is going the short-term route, which allows him to collect a record AAV while being able to re-enter the market while still in his early 30s.
The Dodgers may now be looking to move Teoscar Hernandez, who just finished the first year of a 3 year, $66 million deal he signed with the Dodgers prior to the 2025 season. The 33 year old is coming off a down year, slashing .247/.284/.454 campaign, and the Dodgers would presumably have to eat some of the money he is due to move him.
