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The Los Angeles Dodgers have reached an settlement with outfielder Kyle Tucker, CBS Sports activities’ No. 1 ranked free agent, that may pay him $240 million over 4 seasons, per FanSided. The Dodgers haven’t but formally introduced the signing, and it is to be seen if and the way a lot of that cash is deferred into the long run, impacting the present-day worth of the contract.
Nonetheless, in the intervening time, it seems that Tucker has signed the richest contract on a median annual worth foundation in Main League Baseball historical past:
- Kyle Tucker, Dodgers, $60 million AAV (2026-29)
- Juan Soto, Mets, $51 million AAV (2025-39)
- Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers, estimated $46,081,476 AAV (2024-33)
- Max Scherzer, Mets, $43,333,333 (2022-24)
- Justin Verlander, Mets, $43,333,333 (2023-24)
The Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets have been believed to be the opposite high contenders to land Tucker’s providers, with the Blue Jays providing a long-term deal and the Mets providing an identical contract to the one he signed with the Dodgers, albeit reportedly for much less cash.
Tucker, 28, hit .266/.377/.464 (143 OPS+) with 22 dwelling runs and 25 stolen bases in 2025 as a member of the Chicago Cubs. For his profession, he is amassed a 140 OPS+ with 5 consecutive seasons exceeding 4.5 Wins Above Substitute, in response to Baseball Reference’s calculations.
Invoice James as soon as theorized that it is higher for a participant’s notion for them to begin sizzling and end chilly than the inverse — that means their numbers are extra spectacular for an extended time frame. Tucker examined that concept. He entered July sporting a .931 OPS, however from there on he posted an ice-cold .690 mark. His downturn appears related to accidents, particularly the fractured hand he suffered in June. Tucker nonetheless produced his fifth consecutive four-win season, so the form of his 12 months could show irrelevant to groups looking for a star-level performer who is sweet at every thing (albeit seldom ranked among the many league leaders at something).
Tucker joins a star-studded Dodgers roster that final October turned the primary repeat World Collection champions in additional than 20 years. He figures to fit into an outfield that additionally options Teoscar Hernández, Andy Pages, and Alex Name. The Dodgers have been already projected to have a luxurious tax payroll nearing $350 million, in response to Cot’s Contracts‘ estimates. Additionally they added high nearer Edwin Díaz on a three-year, $69 million contract earlier this winter.
In the meantime, the Cubs will obtain draft-pick compensation, having acquired Tucker in a blockbuster commerce final winter with the Houston Astros and having prolonged the $22.025 million qualifying supply.
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