The Dodgers are planning to enter the Kyle Tucker free agent sweepstakes this winter, but they might just be driving up the price.
According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, Los Angeles will pursue the Cubs outfielder without necessarily intending to sign him.
“The Los Angeles Dodgers plan to jump into the free-agent fray for Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker this winter,” Nightengale wrote. “They may not be the high bidder, but they’ll surely keep everyone honest just as they did when they were in the Juan Soto sweepstakes.”
It’s a classic Dodgers strategy. With their massive financial resources, they can afford to drive up market prices even if they don’t land the player. The approach forces competing teams to stretch their budgets further than they might have otherwise.
That said, Tucker would fit perfectly in the Dodgers’ star-studded lineup. He’s established himself as one of baseball’s premier hitters, and Los Angeles has never shied away from adding elite talent when available.
This can’t be welcome news for the Cubs, who surely want to retain their star outfielder. Tucker’s market value was already expected to be substantial, and the Dodgers’ involvement will likely push his price tag even higher.
There’s still plenty of baseball to be played before free agency begins. The trade deadline could reshape rosters across the league, and Tucker’s performance through the rest of the season will impact his market value.
But one thing seems certain – the Dodgers will be at the table with their checkbook open, whether they’re serious bidders or just making things difficult for everyone else.
