Probably the most urgent matter for the Los Angeles Dodgers is prevailing within the World Sequence for a second straight season over both the Toronto Blue Jays or Seattle Mariners. Wanting additional forward, nevertheless, the Dodgers — consistent with a lot of latest historical past — could also be within the combine for probably the most coveted free agent of the category. This time round, the New York Put up studies that the Dodgers are anticipated to pursue outfielder Kyle Tucker, who hits the market this winter.
The 28-year-old Tucker is coming off a robust season for the Chicago Cubs, who acquired him through four-player commerce final December. In 136 video games, he put up an OPS+ of 143 with 22 dwelling runs, 25 stolen bases, and a WAR of 4.5. Tucker may need discovered himself within the Nationwide League MVP dialogue, however a finger harm adopted by a calf pressure performed a job in his declining numbers later within the season. For his profession, the four-time All-Star has an OPS+ of 140 throughout components of eight MLB seasons, seven of which got here with the Houston Astros.
The Dodgers may use an improve at a nook outfield spot, and that is particularly the case if Teoscar Hernández continues to indicate indicators of offensive decline. This season, Dodger left fielders — the disappointing Michael Conforto received the majority of the taking part in time there — mixed to bat simply .229/.317/.385, lower than optimum manufacturing for such a bat-first place. Tucker would definitely present a major improve over that (he may man left or Hernández may shift from proper to left), and the Dodgers, in fact, have the sources and possession dedication to safe his providers – even when the bidding reaches $400 million or extra.
That mentioned, the competitors for Tucker will seemingly be important, as he is seemingly going to be probably the most hotly pursued free agent of the approaching offseason.
