When the Chicago Cubs pulled the trigger on a blockbuster trade for Kyle Tucker last offseason, it was a bold, win-now move. But it came with a clear expiration date. Tucker was always expected to test free agency, and the Cubs-despite giving up a significant haul that included a top prospect, an All-Star third baseman, and a controllable starter-weren’t likely to be the team writing the check to keep him around long-term.
The writing was on the wall: Tucker had Los Angeles written all over him. And now, that’s exactly where he’s headed.
The Dodgers, once again, flexed their financial muscle and strategic patience, swooping in late to land one of the game’s premier outfielders. It’s a familiar script in L.A.-when they want someone, they usually get them.
And they got Tucker with a four-year, $240 million deal that includes a jaw-dropping $64 million signing bonus, an opt-out after two years, and $30 million in deferred money. That pushes the average annual value close to $60 million-a number that would’ve seemed wild just a few months ago.
Toronto was in the mix. The Mets had a short-term, high-AAV offer on the table.
But when the Dodgers entered the chat, the game changed. That’s the kind of gravitational pull this franchise has right now.
And it’s not just about Tucker-his signing sends ripples across the league, especially for teams trying to hang onto their own stars.
Enter: Tarik Skubal and the Detroit Tigers.
Tigers fans won’t want to hear it, but Tucker’s move is a signal. A warning.
A reminder that the Dodgers are always lurking-and they’re already eyeing their next big acquisition. Skubal is on their radar, and the parallels are hard to ignore.
Like Tucker, Skubal is a premium talent approaching free agency. And like Tucker, he’s represented by Scott Boras, which means an early extension was always unlikely.
Boras clients typically bet on themselves, and Skubal has plenty of reason to do just that. But the Tigers haven’t exactly helped their own cause either.
Their handling of Skubal’s arbitration has been rocky, and with no extension in sight, the clock is ticking.
The Tigers have a decision to make, and it’s coming fast. If they’re in the playoff hunt this summer, maybe they ride it out.
But if they’re slipping, even slightly, the trade deadline becomes the inflection point. And the Dodgers?
They’ll be waiting.
They’ve already shown their hand with Tucker. When they see a player they want, they don’t hesitate.
They don’t lowball. They don’t overthink it.
They just get it done. And Skubal, with his electric left arm and ace-level upside, fits the mold perfectly.
So, would the Dodgers trade for Skubal without an extension in place? If history tells us anything, the answer is yes-especially if the price is right and the window is now.
For Detroit, that’s a tough pill. But it’s also a reality they helped shape.
Tucker’s departure from Chicago wasn’t just a headline-it was a glimpse into how the Dodgers operate. And for teams like the Tigers, it’s a reminder: if you’ve got a star and you’re not ready to pay him, L.A. will be.