The Los Angeles Dodgers have secured the top prize of the MLB free agent market, agreeing with outfielder Kyle Tucker on a four-year, $240 million contract. The deal includes opt-outs after the second and third years and $30 million in deferred money, giving Tucker the highest effective average annual value in baseball history at $60 million.

The signing represents a stunning coup for the two-time defending champions, who outmaneuvered reported frontrunners the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets. For the Blue Jays, it marks a third consecutive offseason defeat to the Dodgers in pursuing elite talent, compounding the sting of their loss to Los Angeles in the 2025 World Series.

Tucker directly addresses the Dodgers' most pressing roster need—a revamped outfield. The unit, previously projected to feature Teoscar Hernández, Andy Pages, Alex Call, and Tommy Edman, now gains a cornerstone player. Tucker is expected to slot into right field, with Hernández moving to left, significantly bolstering both offensive production and defensive stability.

The contract's short-term structure aligns with the Dodgers' strategic history with premium free agents and accommodates their deep farm system, which boasts several top outfield prospects nearing the majors. This provides the franchise flexibility should Tucker exercise his opt-outs after the 2026 or 2027 seasons.

Tucker, 28, is a four-time All-Star with a Gold Glove and two Silver Slugger awards. He is coming off an injury-impacted 2025 season with the Chicago Cubs, where a hand fracture and calf tightness contributed to a second-half slump. Despite this, he remains one of the game's most consistent offensive forces, having posted an OPS above .800 in every season since becoming an everyday player in 2020.

His addition creates what is arguably the most formidable lineup in baseball, potentially featuring Shohei Ohtani, Tucker, Will Smith, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts in the top five spots. Combined with a star-laden rotation and the recent signing of elite closer Edwin Díaz, the Dodgers have solidified their status as overwhelming favorites to pursue a historic three-peat in 2026.