Dodgers Rumors: Dodgers Would “Entertain” Short-Term Deal for Kyle Tucker

ORLANDO, FL—The Los Angeles Dodgers surprised the entire baseball world yesterday morning when the reigning champions reportedly signed top free agent All-Star closer Edwin Díaz to a 3-year, $69 million contract.

The deal and the Dodgers’ pursuit of Díaz contradicted all reports from the Dodgers camp, which indicated the team was expected to avoid Díaz’s market and instead focus on short-term options like San Diego Padres closer Robert Suárez.

This is probably intentional, since Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman’s front office typically withholds information, creating an entirely new conversation.

The Dodgers’ ability to do something so unexpected should, in theory, keep them open to continue adding this winter, despite already having an expected luxury tax payroll inching closer to $400 million.

That is the sentiment that is now shared by the national media, including in the latest column from new Dodgers beat writer Katie Woo and MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

The report states that both writers agree the Dodgers remain interested in Kyle Tucker, but they probably won’t offer him a six- or seven-year contract, as he is likely seeking.

Instead, the Dodgers favor a short-term, high-AAV contract with opt-outs to preserve financial flexibility without committing to a long-term deal.

“Los Angeles is unlikely to offer Tucker a six- or seven-year deal, according to a person briefed on the team’s plans. The club, however, would entertain a shorter three-to-four-year deal with a high annual average value, similar to what Alex Bregman landed last spring when he signed a three-year, $120 million contract with the Boston Red Sox.”

If the Dodgers signed Tucker, he would address a clear team need, especially since Michael Conforto and Kiké Hernández are now free agents, leaving an outfield gap.

Since the start of the offseason, the Dodgers have already been linked to several names on the free agent and trade market, such as Steven Kwan of the Cleveland Guardians, Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox, and a possible reunion with 2019 National League MVP Award winner Cody Bellinger.

Still, Tucker joining the Dodgers still seems unlikely with several prominent teams, including the American League Champion Toronto Blue Jays, aiming to sign the four-time All-Star to a long-term deal.

Dodgers’ Potential Pursuit of Tarik Skubal

In a deal that could significantly impact baseball, the Dodgers are well-positioned in any potential trade involving Tarik Skubal, according to Woo and Rosenthal, with his name also mentioned in the article.

While no deal seems to be in the works (despite a report from a certain KTLA news anchor), the Dodgers do have the prospect capital and money to not only acquire Skubal but also sign him to a long-term deal.

“The Dodgers certainly possess the depth to offer one or two young pitchers to the Tigers for Skubal, plus others from their deep farm system. Such players can help balance the team’s payroll, but the Dodgers probably will not have enough room on their roster for all of them.”

“After all, money, as the Dodgers repeatedly shown, is no object.”

Although no deal is currently in progress, the Díaz contract was finalized quickly, and similar rapid negotiations could apply to a Skubal trade or acquiring an outfielder like Duran or Kwan.

Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!