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Dodgers get update in pursuit of Kyle Tucker.
The Los Angeles Dodgers could once again land the top free agent available.
Los Angeles has won the World Series in back-to-back seasons. But despite that, the team was still looking to improve. So, the Dodgers have been linked to Kyle Tucker. With the slugger still unsigned, the team got a positive update.
MLB insider Jon Heyman of The New York Post hinted at Tucker possibly signing a short-term deal with the Dodgers.
“The undisputed No. 1 free agent hasn’t stirred many rumors since he was spotted touring the Jays’ beautiful spring home at Dunedin. Toronto, which signed the biggest deal so far (Dylan Cease, $210M) and leads in spending this winter, should be attractive due to their excellent team and spring location near Tucker’s Tampa home,” Heyman wrote in a New York Post article on Thursday.
“While he may not reach the early $400M predictions after his typically statistically excellent but ultimately unsatisfying platform season with the Cubs. The all-around star 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.”
If the long-term deal isn’t available for Tucker, Heyman believes it opens the door for a high AAV, short-term deal with the Dodgers. It could be a similar move that the Dodgers did with Michael Conforto, but that signing didn’t pan out.
Tucker is a four-time MLB All-Star.
Dodgers Open to Short-Term Deal With Tucker
Los Angeles wasn’t considered a front runner for Tucker due to the fact the slugger was expected to sign a lucrative long-term deal.
However, with Tucker’s market being slow-moving, the Dodgers could be back in the mix. On December 9, MLB insiders Ken Rosenthal and Katie Woo of The Athletic revealed the Dodgers are only interested in Tucker on a short-term deal.
“Los Angeles is unlikely to offer Tucker a six- or seven-year deal. According to a person briefed on the team’s plans,” the insiders wrote. “The club, however, would entertain a shorter three-to-four-year deal with a high annual average value. Similar to what Alex Bregman landed last spring when he signed a three-year, $120 million contract with the Boston Red Sox.”
With Tucker still not signed, it appears the Dodgers are right back in the mix to land the star hitter. If they do, it would make their roster that much better.
LA Wasn’t Expecting to be Aggressive
The Dodgers’ signing Tucker would be a splash not many around the league expected.
After being one of the more aggressive teams the past two offseasons, it was reported that the Dodgers wouldn’t be major buyers this offseason. General manager Brandon Gomes even hinted at the team having a quieter offseason.
“By being aggressive over the last couple offseasons, we do have a very, very good core in place,” Gomes said. “So it’s continuing to fine-tune and look at what the weaknesses on the roster are and try to address those … It’s being very targeted in who we go out and look to acquire. I think that holds true across the board, without many glaring holes.”
Yet, if the Tucker reports are accurate, it could very well be another aggressive offseason for the Dodgers.
Cole Shelton Cole Shelton covers the NHL, MLB and Cleveland Browns for Heavy.com. He has covered pro and college sports since 2016, including bylines at BJ Penn, USA Today, SB Nation, Rotowire, Canadian Baseball Network and more. More about Cole Shelton
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