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By Valentina Martinez
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Los Angeles Dodgers stunned baseball fans with their four-year, $240 million signing of the winter's top free agent, Kyle Tucker.
More news: Mets Owner Steve Cohen Breaks Silence on Kyle Tucker Decision
The net present value of Tucker's deal is set at $57 million per season, which beats the record previously held by New York Mets superstar Juan Soto by more than $6 million. The Dodgers will pay $119.9 million annually for Tucker because of the organization's 110 percent tax penalty.
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How Did the Dodgers Land Kyle Tucker?
Both the Dodgers and Mets were finalists in the Tucker sweepstakes as well as the World Series runners-up, the Toronto Blue Jays.
Entering the offseason, projections listed Tucker earning a $400 million contract. However, that market never materialized for the star outfielder.
The Blue Jays were the only team to offer Tucker a long-term deal, but the outfielder reportedly had reservations about playing in Toronto. The Mets, like the Dodgers, offered the star a short-term deal with a high AAV.
Tucker opted to take the defending champions' deal, which included more money. The blockbuster deal only reinforces the belief amongst MLB players: The Dodgers give them their best chance of winning a championship.
One of the Dodgers' few weaknesses that needed to be addressed this winter was their outfield. Tucker's arrival in LA gives the Dodgers a left-handed bat in a predominantly right-handed outfield with Andy Pages and Teoscar Hernandez.
In 2025, Tucker slashed .266/.377/.464 with 22 home runs and 73 RBIs while dealing with a fracture between his ring and pinky fingers. The 28-year-old has posted at least 4.2 fWAR in the last five seasons.
Tucker is by no means the best defender, but the Gold Glove winner is an automatic upgrade from Hernandez in right field.
Heading into the 2026 campaign, the Dodgers have an overwhelmingly strong lineup and seem to be in a strong position to return to the World Series. Nevertheless, injuries and the unknowns surrounding the season will certainly play a role for L.A.
More news: Blue Jays Predicted to be AL Champs Even After Kyle Tucker Rejection
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