(Image Source – Getty Images) The Dodgers made a bold move, fully aware of what it could mean. Signing Kyle Tucker wasn’t just about bringing in a top hitter. It clearly shows that Los Angeles is ready to give up future resources to secure a win right now. Following another significant free agent signing, this decision has placed the Dodgers in an unusual position according to MLB regulations.Draft picks were always going to be the cost. The only thing up for debate was how many. This offseason shifted focus from money to penalties that can’t just be paid off. The roster appears to be better, but the price is evident in areas that fans often overlook. That trade-off is what this story revolves around.
Los Angeles Dodgers secure Kyle Tucker on a four-year deal
The Dodgers have come to terms on a four-year, $240 million deal with Kyle Tucker, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, who referenced a source close to the agreement. This contract features opt-out clauses after the second and third years, a signing bonus of $64 million, and $30 million in deferred payments.ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Jesse Rogers broke down the deal, highlighting the opt-outs and deferrals. Sources have informed them that this agreement places Tucker as the clear top free agent for this offseason.Tucker, who will be 29 in January 2026, turned down a qualifying offer from the Chicago Cubs, which means any team that signs him will have to deal with draft compensation rules. According to FOX Sports, the deferrals help lessen the annual impact, but the Dodgers will still give up their third- and sixth-highest picks in the 2026 MLB Draft because of this deal.
Los Angeles Dodgers sign Edwin Díaz to a three-year $69 million contract
A little over a month ago, the Dodgers inked Edwin Díaz to a three-year, $69 million contract, as the team announced and MLB.com reported. Díaz decided to opt out of his remaining deal with the New York Mets, which gave him an additional year and $31 million guaranteed compared to his old contract.The deal includes a $9 million signing bonus and base salaries kicking off at $14 million in 2026, with a few deferrals. Eric Stephen from True Blue LA pointed out that these deferred salaries bring the CBT value down to $21,110,269 annually.Díaz turned down a qualifying offer from the Mets worth $22.025 million for 2026, which means draft compensation is on the table. Since the Dodgers are a CBT team, they lost their second- and fifth-highest picks in the 2026 Draft, along with $1 million from their international bonus pool, as detailed in the MLB.com announcement.
Qualifying offers and draft compensation
MLB’s qualifying offer system lets teams propose a one-year deal to free agents, which is set at $22.025 million for 2026. If the offer is turned down, it comes with draft pick compensation. If a player decides to decline and signs with another team.For teams such as the Dodgers, who went over the third CBT threshold in 2025, bringing in one of those players means giving up the second and fifth highest picks along with some international bonus cash. If they sign a second player, it bumps up to the third and sixth highest picks.Tucker and Díaz were two of the nine players who turned down qualifying offers this offseason. According to ESPN, this marks the first time the Dodgers have signed two qualifying offer free agents in a single winter. True Blue LA pointed out that previous signings, such as Díaz, helped reduce the penalties for Tucker to lower rounds.
Impact on 2026 MLB draft for Los Angeles Dodgers
By signing these players, the Dodgers will lose their second, third, fifth, and sixth highest picks in the 2026 Draft. The signing of Díaz cost them the second and fifth picks, while Tucker’s signing resulted in the loss of the third and sixth. This means the Dodgers are left with only 16 picks, as stated by Borelli. Their first pick now falls to No. 40 overall because they went over the third CBT threshold in 2025, according to Borelli.The Dodgers can’t dodge this penalty by just paying it off, unlike with financial taxes. Dodgers Way pointed out that if there are no more qualifying offer signings like Zac Gallen or Framber Valdez, the team won’t face any extra losses.
2026 MLB draft overview
The 2026 MLB Draft is set to take place on July 11-12 in Philadelphia during All-Star Week, as reported by MLB.com’s draft coverage.Wikipedia has also verified the dates and location, with the draft focusing on amateur players from high schools, colleges, and other eligible sources. The Chicago White Sox clinched the top overall pick by winning the lottery in December 2025, boasting 27.73% odds.Also Read: Miami Marlins quietly make a roster move that could reshape their pitching depth after the 2025 season