Besides their bullpen, another big weakness for the Dodgers this year has been the outfield. They brought in Michael Conforto before the 2025 season to man left field, but he ended up being a major disappointment and hasn’t even been on any of the Dodgers’ three playoff rosters so far. So, what they really need is a slugger who can provide power and also cover the outfield…

Enter Kyle Tucker in free agency, who could do both. And if the latest rumors are anything to go by, it looks like the Dodgers might be moving in the right direction to add another cornerstone to their lineup. And yes, the debate about the Dodgers ruining baseball might just get amplified further.

“Dodgers expected to pursue Kyle Tucker: 1. They like him 2. OF is the least of their strengths 3. Presumably, they have $ left after pursuing Soto 4. Of course they do,” MLB insider Jon Heyman said.

Well, Tucker had a standout season with the Cubs after they acquired him in a four-player trade last December. Notably, over 136 games, he posted a 143 OPS+, hit 22 HRs, and racked up a 4.5 WAR. Thus, apart from his offensive utility, the Dodgers could really use an upgrade at a corner outfield spot, especially if Teoscar Hernandez’s bat keeps trending downward.

If you remember, this year, Conforto slashed just .229/.317/.385, far below what you want from a power-hitting position. Here, Tucker could easily fill that void. He could fit either in left field himself or by allowing Hernandez to slide over from right. And with the Dodgers’ deep pockets and commitment to winning, they certainly have the means to make a run at him, even if the price climbs above $400 million.

Now, this could be a troubling development for the Cubs. Why? Because while Tucker’s leaving for free agency is not official, the Dodgers’ financial firepower makes it incredibly tough for any team to outbid them. And considering the Dodgers went for Juan Soto last year till $600 million and then bowed out, they are already with cash to make the splash!!

The Dodgers would not be spared from competition

Yes, the Dodgers are all set to make the splash, but that doesn’t deter the other suitors from leaving the race.

The first name? The Yankees are very much in the race as well. Reportedly, with outfielders Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham hitting free agency, the Yankees have openings that a bat like Tucker’s could perfectly fill, especially given the short right-field porch at Yankee Stadium.

Then there’s the Mets, who might be the only team capable of giving the Dodgers a real challenge. With owner Steve Cohen’s famously deep pockets and the potential departure of Pete Alonso looming, the Mets could make a serious push to bring Tucker to Queens. Adding another middle-of-the-order bat to their roster.

And yes, the Phillies also shouldn’t be overlooked. After three straight disappointing October exits, Philadelphia is looking for an offensive shake-up, and the outfield is likely where they’ll focus. So, adding someone like Tucker could provide the jolt their lineup desperately needs.

In short, the competition for Tucker is intense, with multiple big-market teams capable of offering both the money and the opportunity he’d want. So, now let’s see which team ultimately lands the star and who gets the last laugh in this high-stakes race.