Dodgers insider throws cold water on potential Kyle Tucker signing over self-inflicted roadblock originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The offseason is quickly approaching after the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series. One big name to watch this offseason is Kyle Tucker, who is expected to command a massive paycheck.

“Tucker is expected to be the highest paid free agent in this class. Most analysts believe he will get somewhere between $500 million and $650 million based on the recent contracts of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with the Blue Jays ($500 million) and Juan Soto with the Mets ($765 million). Tucker can impact a game in so many ways with his five tools: hitting, power, defense, arm strength and speed. He has made four straight All-Star teams and is putting together another strong season,” The Athletic’s Jim Bowden wrote.

Lately, the Dodgers have emerged as one of the favorites to sign Tucker this offseason. However, there could be factors that prevent him from joining Los Angeles.

“The only way I see Dodgers landing Kyle Tucker is if he signs an Alex Bregman type contract (3 yr/$120M) with opt outs. With the 2027 season in question, tough to imagine he’d want to do that unless his market is not there this offseason and the Dodgers are too enticing,” Dodgers writer Blake Harris wrote.

Adding to the uncertainty is the question of MLB salary cap space, which has been a concern due to the Dodgers’ high payroll.

“Yet, there are plenty of teams leaguewide that will look at the Dodgers’ recent spending, shrug their shoulders, and not even consider following in their footsteps. Not only did the Dodgers’ $240 million payroll lead baseball, but they spent over $200 million more than three teams: the Pittsburgh Pirates ($31.1 million), Baltimore Orioles ($25.4 million), and Miami Marlins ($22.3 million). Only 17 of the league’s 30 teams fielded at least an $80 million payroll, a jarring and concerning sight ahead of a potential lockout following the 2026 season,” FanSided’s Jake Elman wrote.

The Dodgers’ tendency to go all out each offseason could influence Tucker to look elsewhere this year. While nothing is certain, that concern is undoubtedly on the minds of free agents.

Tucker will be an intriguing player to watch as the winter unfolds. If a potential lockout becomes a concern, the Dodgers could miss out on this top available free agent.

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