I have never doubted that Kyle Tucker makes sense for the Dodgers. The only thing I have questioned is the price. I do not think that the Dodgers will be high bidders. Nor do I think they will sign him for more than 10 years. I believe that 10 Years/$360 Million is in their wheelhouse, but that could go up if he wants to defer some money. Mookie, Freddie, Shohei, Will, and Teoscar all have deferred money. In my opinion, Kyle Tucker is not a superstar, but he is close! To be a superstar, you need to have a career OPS over .900, He sits at .865.
He is LH and is not strikeout-prone. That would be ideal in the Dodgers lineup. In 697 plate appearances, he struck out 88 times. In about the same number of at-bats, Ohtani struck out 187 times. Pages – 135, Teoscar -134, Freddie – 128. Max would have been at about 150 with the same number of ABs. So would Will. Tucker’s bat would play well in the lineup. OK… look at the lineup:
- Ohtani DH
- Betts SS
- Freeman 1B
- Tucker RF
- Muncy 3B
- Smith C
- Pages CF
- Teoscar LF
- Kim/Rojas 2B
That, my friends, is what is called a “deep lineup!” Of course, the alleged pundits say there is little chance the Dodgers sign Tucker. Never forget that they are usually wrong! However, if they don’t sign Tucker, then anything can happen and for the record, I am fine with Pages in CF. So is Kike!
The Dodgers front office will likely sign a reliever who does not have the Qualifying Offer attached, such as Peter Fairbanks, but with all the arms they have, I don’t think they have to. That, however, is a story for another day.
I like tucker!
i like bellinger!
i like kwan!
i like teo in left!
i like the idea of pete fairbanks!
doesn’t matter what i like!
i do believe that AF & BG will acquire a good hitting, good fielding outfielder. I asked the question, “what about Buxton?”. So Mark, would you? i wouldn’t mind it if the price was right! i know his health is an issue, he could probably stay healthier if he got regular rest. Interested?
is it possible that the dodgers don’t bring back one or both of Kike & Rojas? i think there’s a good chance that at least one doesn’t get an offer. Which one do they value most?
I wish the pirates would do something to squish the Skeenes situation! Trade him or make a statement. Add some good players to be competitive, or make the big one! Same in Detroit!
i
Buxton has played over 100 games in a season just 3 times in 11 years. He will be 32 next season, and he’s more likely to be injured! Hard NO!
Feel the same way about Robert Jr. Tons of talent, way too injury prone.
Yes, Buxton is injury-prone. Yes, he has, as they say, “trouble staying on the field.”
But what has he done lately? That should matter more than the injuries that laid up him years ago.
Last season, the plain fact is that Buxton outplayed Kyle Tucker… who also had a bit of trouble staying on the field. (I think Luis Robert Jr might have outplayed Conforto–but they’re irrelevant to this comparison.)
In ’25, Buxton played in 126 games and produced an .878 OPS with 36 HRs, 98 runs scored and 24 stolen bases in 24 tries. (He’s still one of the fastest players in the game.)
Meanwhile, Tucker played in 136 games, producing an OPS of .841, with 91 runs scored, 22 HRs and 25 stolen bases in 28 tries. Tucker biggest advantage was his OBP, built on his excellent walk/K rate. He walked 88 times against 89 strikeouts.
BTW, it’s odd to me that, in ten fewer games, Buxton scored seven more runs than Tucker, who with those walks had the higher OBP and was surrounded by a strong lineup: Busch, Suzuki, Crow-Armstrong, Happ. The Twins did not a strong lineup…. But then, Buxton knocked himself in 14 more times than Busch, so I guess that explains the difference.
One of Buxton’s advantages over Tucker is that he plays CF at a high level, which would enable Pages to move to RF.
But the strongest case for Buxton is a matter of dollars, cents and common sense.
By Mark’s estimate, the Dodgers would be willing to pay $360 million over 10 years for the 28-year-old Tucker. That’s quite a commitment to add to the mega-contracts $100-million-plus that Dodgers already carry, and it would add to the fat-cat Dodgers’ luxury tax burden
The contract for Buxton, age 31, is set at $45 million for three years. Acquiring that contract would help the Dodgers contain the payroll, and there would be less risk of Buxton blocking the progress of the team’s many OF prospects. Instead of writing a $360-million or $400-million check for Tucker, the Dodgers would persuade the Twins to deal a package of young major leaguers and prospects.
If the size of the payroll and the luxury tax really don’t matter at all to the Guggenheim folks and the fans who keep paying higher prices to pack the stadium, then Tucker might be the better option.
Hey, it’s not our money…. except when we buy tickets and concesssions.
But judging from recent history, Buxton could provide bigger bang–and better defense–for the buck.
DePaula, Sirota, and Rushing?
Buxton is great, but the Dodgers need to get younger… and while Buxton is 31 – He will be 32 next month!
The Dodger cash machine SHOULD sign anyone they feel is needed and use the money coming off the books because the owners at the next CBA after the lockout next offseason will try to prohibit the Dodgers in what they do in spending in the future with greater tax penalties or other restrictions. I’m sure they will also look into the Japanese market for players which the Dodgers have cornered and try to change the present system.
I occasionally turn on WFAN in NY an all sports radio station and the hate for the Dodgers is real by the callers in and the hosts. The general conversation is that they think MLB lets the Dodgers do whatever they want with the largest payroll and deferred money. All owners if they choose to do so can defer salaries but they are so stupid and rather line their pockets than put a winning team on the field.
I don’t want Tucker. Too many quality OF prospects in the system that are 2 or 3 years at the most away. I would trade for Kwan of the Indians.
Steven Kwan is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2028 MLB season. The Cleveland Guardians currently have contractual control over him for three more seasons: 2026, 2027, and 2028.
Arbitration: Kwan entered his second of three years of salary arbitration for the 2025 season after signing a one-year deal for $4.175 million.
To get Quan, you would have to trade some of those outfield prospects.
Tucker cost a draft pick and International Bonus Money
I want to keep all the outfield prospects.
Maybe one.
… and Rushing.
I like to hoard prospects because you never know which ones will be great!
Maybe?
Too steep for my taste and the Dodger’s taste to sign Tucker. NOT happening!!!
If the Dodgers hoard prospects they would prevent several from reaching the majors.
Why not deal from a position of strength?
Here’s an offer for Kwan:
–Ryan Ward
–Kendall George
–Bobby Miller or Landon Knack
The Guardians are a pitching factory and they might be able to fix Miller, who has already proven that he has ML talent.
Ward is 27-year-old late-bloomer who can play LF, 1B or DH and potentially adds power to a lineup that needs it. George is a speedster who seems unlikely to fit the Dodgers’ long-range scheme but could eventually succeed Kwan and be an impact player for a small-market team.
I’m not as interested in Kwan as I was when Roberts kept writing Conforto into the lineup. But the Dodgers certainly have the ability to acquire him at a reasonable cost.
I have to ask Mark and others who comment: Is it at all possible that Ohtani could be convinced to just hit and not pitch? They have multiple young arms to choose from for the sixth spot in the rotation and have Roki for the fifth spot (they could even sign a sixth starter). Ohtani seems to lose his hitting edge when he is pitching, and I think that makes a big difference. Plus, he is getting older and the longer we can stretch his career the better. I want him to just focus on hitting.
Not this year…
You do have a valid point… he hit .140 the days after he pitches.
I think by the time he reaches 35 years old it could definitely be in play. I could also see him becoming a first baseman. He is definitely tall enough and has great athletic ability. Less chance of him hurting himself crashing into walls chasing fly balls.
What does Shohei hit on the days that he pitches?
“As the Dodgers are already hungry for a three-peat, Ohtani revealed his pitching plan for the upcoming season”.
“I do plan on being able to pitch off the mound from the beginning of the season,” Ohtani said through an interpreter after accepting his MVP award. “For me, the biggest thing is being able to stay healthy throughout the whole season and hopefully be able to start and end the season on the mound. The goal is obviously to be healthy for the full year and be able to pitch for the whole year.
“Obviously we might have new additions and some guys might be gone. In any case, I do hope to be able to pitch however many days I need to be out there and just be healthy.”
I believe that he will skip a few starts this year. I see 22-25 Starts for him… barring injury!
The four aces will all get ample relief in the form of skipped starts, shortened appearances and indirect mentoring of all the other rotation options we have, including Sheehan, Sasaki, Wrobleski, Ryan, Stone & Ferris.
Postseason overuse is building up and it’s time for the younger arms to eat some innings. I expect multi-inning guys in bunches in our bullpen. Casparius, Miller, Gervase, Frasso–come on down.
Hurt too
Shohei’s dad is on the record suggesting an eventual shift to the OF, but 1B makes sense too.
I assume that Shohei will want to continue to pitch as long as he feels he is effective. Perhaps an injury will intervene.
It’s obvious that he loves the adrenaline and competition when he’s on the mound.
I would love to see him get a full season on the mound–and maybe even win the Cy Young Award.
The problem is that from what I have heard he considers himself a pitcher who also hits not the other way around.
Mark–You are dead on the money. Let’s keep this real simple: The Dodgers need an impact OF and Tucker is sitti g right there on the open market and could fit within our budget.
This is the golden era of Dodger baseball. Ohtani has helped bring in two championships in his first two years with eight years left. Friedman knows the window is now to add another 3+ championships.
Tucker would be a perfect addition to the lineup, batting anywhere from #3-#5 with power and patience. He doesn’t block anyone as Teo just slides to LF. Pages in CF is more than adequate and you happily deal with JDP, Hope, Sirota & Quintero when they come.
It’s cleaner than a trade and even at a 10y/$400m price tag it doesn’t affect that much because of our existing pitching depth and our deep deep pockets. A top reliever is really all we need to add after Tucker.
One potential counterargument is the aging infield, which is a concern. Edman locks in at 2B and we might have to trade for a 3B at some point to bridge the gap to Harlan/Morales/Vargas. I’m assuming JDP winds up at 1B and there’s also the Will Smith factor.
With so many ideas flying around, Tucker solves so many problems, namely the underreported deep slump our offense went through during the World Series. That can’t happen again.
1. DePaula, Quintero, Hope, and Sirota – one or two will be stars… I don’t know who. Keep them all!
2. Edman is a utilityman – he’s too fragile to play every day. He had 3 of his 7 years with over 500 ABs. He can play all over, but I don’t see him as a regular.
3. I think Kim gets his time to shine at 2B next year… at least against RHP.
I always forget about Kim. In a perfect world he wins the 2B job and bats 9th in front of Big Bro Oh.
I hope Kim gets more opportunities.
He batted pretty well, but he struck out a lot more than he walked. In Korea, he did a better job of getting on base.
Just read a piece translated from Korean in which Kim gave himself a grade of “30 out of 100” for his rookie season. So he expects better from himself in ’26.
I love your lineup and rationale for signing Tucker. (Mark) We have a bunch of money coming off the books. Teo has 2 more years and one of our wonderful outfield prospects should work into his spot in ’27. Our pitching staff is sooooo deep. A shutdown closer would be nice. Not sure Tanner can handle that pressure. I don’t know if Devin Williams or Robert Suarez are the answer either. Someone mentioned River Ryan being groomed to close. He certainly has the electric stuff. It’d be rather risky counting on an unproven arm, being our go to guy though. 2026 looks exciting whichever way we turn…
Great comment. I think Williams will be the add, as we were linked to him before and tend not to miss twice. Two-year high AAV deal works for me.
As i posted yesterday, Ohtani could easily contend for the Cy Young award cif he didn’t hit. he could put up 50-60 homers and drive in 130 if he doesn’t pitch. doing both is crazy, but he wants to do it so he gets what he wants. As long as he produces, the front office will be happy. But he was worn down in the world series.!
Kyle Tucker? if they sign him it would be a bonus for the dodgers! So would Cody. Kwan sort of makes sense, but can he play right or center? Teo( unless traded) needs to go to left!! Teo and Emmit straight up for Kwan? yay or nay?
Hopefully tommy edman is completely healthy for next season! i would love to see him play all over the field at the level he’s capable of. if healthy and being used as a super utility guy, they probably would let Kike walk. Sad, but as valuable as Kike has been, he ain’t getting any younger. Edman has ss much versatility and probably a better hitter. Not taking anything away from Kike, he’s been a Godsend for the dodgers! I still believe he or Rojas will be gone.
wonder who takes a chance on Gonsolin? i believe there’s still some life in that right arm! Hopefully not in san diego or frisco!
watched the thing on Arod the other night. What a talented guy he was. what a douche bag he was(still is)! He absolutely loves himself! But he was as good a player as anyone in baseball. Too bad he wasn’t as good a person! Sure makes it hard to watch Fox’s pregame and postgame shows during the playoffs. Just goes to show you that good guys don’t always finish first or get the best jobs. just like bonds and clemens, deserves to be in the hall of fame for what they did before the cheating, but they will wait for that call that may never come. if they get in? i don’t really care anymore. It’s kind of like the rock and roll hall of fame. They let you in when they think you’ve gotten over it or you’re dead! Bad Company gets in this year . Paul Rogers is having health issues and can’t attend the ceremony. Weren’t they as good as last year as they are this year? Just like Billy Wagner. Why did it take so long? I guess “Hall of Fame “. just doesn’t mean as much as it used too!
R&R hof should be there renamed the rap and pop hof. Worthless.
well we agree on this. should be separate categories for music hall of fames. rock isn’t pop, rap, country, classical, r&b. i like all kinds of music. but dolly pardon ain’t rock and roll! by the way, i love dolly!
So do most men. Being a country singer myself, I think that they should not induct country artists into the R&R Hall of Fame. Country has its own. I like many kinds of music, starting with country, but I like the oldies from the 50’s, most 60’s bands and even big band music like Glen Miller. Enjoy some of the rock opera’s, not all of them.
yeah, i agree. i’m a. southern rock guy. i do not like “today’s “ country “! love classic rock, old gospel, old country, outlaw country, motown. not much into rap. Skynyrd!!! Alman brothers! outlaws! On the classic, Bob seger!
Back in college one of my roommates played Bad Company endlessly..
Then one day it disappeared and we all told Ed we had no idea what happened.
Tucker, Williams & a random bench guy [Castro?] willing to sign with us on the cheap to get a ring.
I prefer signing Diaz from the Mets or Fairbanks from the Rays.
No problem with those two
Love this site and many thanks to Mark. Dodger fans are the best, and many comments are well thought of, and some are pretty amusing. I have followed this site for years and is the first website I look at every morning. This is the best time to be a Dodgers fan. I grew up going to Dodgers games back in the 60’s and now live in AZ. I worked at Camelback during spring training in 2025 and it was crazy. Beatlemania was a couple of years before my time. It was Dodgers mania at Camelback in 2025. The Dodgers are a first-class organization, and all of the players were good guys.
“Dodgers utilityman Kiké Hernández had surgery on Friday to repair a torn muscle in his elbow. The veteran announced the procedure in an Instagram post. Hernández said he suffered the injury in May and played through it the rest of the season, which led to the elbow tendon detaching from the bone”.
Don’t mind getting younger. Rojas, Keekay, Kershaw all legends but time to get younger.
Sounds like Kike might be out until Mid-Season…. Hummmmmmmm
Brendan Donovan makes a lot of sense for the Dodgers. But then, he makes sense for a lot of teams.
He can do a lot of what Kike does, but with a better bat.
Bhagwan is coming
Who????
Bhagwan” is an epithet in Indian religions meaning “Lord” or “God” that refers to revered deities, avatars, or enlightened beings like Krishna, Shiva, the Buddha, or the Tirthankaras.
He’s probably been inhaling too much! 😉
I would like to see Ohtani sit out day after pitching. Let him rest and available to pinch hit
Then let Teo, Will or Freddie DH
Which pundits say there is “little chance” that the Dodgers sign Tucker?
I’ve seen articles that say the Dodgers are the front-runner among the very few teams that can afford him. Maybe Tucker would prefer NYC or Toronto or Philly or whatever. Maybe he doesn’t want to be in Shohei’s shadow. But if he wants to win rings, he knows that one destination is head and shoulders above the rest.
I don’t like the pricetag, and I think writing fat checks is boring compared to wheeling and dealing. The Dodgers committed more than $1 billion to Shohei and Yamamoto in long-term deals, so why should another fat check surprise anybody?
And there are a couple of reasons why Tucker makes sense for the Dodgers.
First, he’s 28 years old and a proven star who should be productive for years to come–and this production would help cushion the inevitable declines of Freddie, Max and Mookie. Even Shohei and Will Smith, while clearly in their prime, are on the allegedly “wrong” side of 30.
Second, Tucker doesn’t strike out much and takes his walks. In that respect, he’s sort of like Kwan–but with a lot more power. In fact, I’d be tempted to bat Tucker second because of his plate discipline.
So maybe….
Shohei
Tucker
Mookie
Freddie
Will/Rushing
Max/Rojas
Teo/Call (defensive replacement)
Pages/Edman
Kim/Edman
But the Dodgers could save about $350 million by dealing for Buxton and signing Bader. And the brass might do that if they think Murakami should be a Dodger.