Alex Bregman’s five-year, $175 million deal with the Cubs didn’t just shake up the free-agent market-it reset it. And now, with Bregman off the board, the focus shifts to three of the biggest bats still available: Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette, and Cody Bellinger.
The Dodgers, unsurprisingly, are hovering around all three names. Let’s break down where things stand as of now-and why LA’s front office is playing the patient game.
Kyle Tucker: Big Money Meets Strategic Patience
Kyle Tucker’s free agency got a serious jolt this week. According to multiple reports, the New York Mets have made a bold move, offering Tucker a short-term deal with a massive average annual value-reportedly in the neighborhood of $50 million per year. That’s not just a bag; that’s the whole vault.
But the Mets aren’t alone. The Toronto Blue Jays have also stepped up with a long-term offer.
While the exact numbers haven’t been made public, it’s clear the AAV is significantly lower than what the Mets are dangling. And so far?
Tucker hasn’t jumped at either.
That’s where the Dodgers come in. LA is reportedly “lurking,” ready to pounce with their own short-term, high-dollar offer if things fall apart between Tucker and the Mets. It’s a classic Dodgers move-wait out the market, avoid overcommitting long-term, and swoop in when the leverage shifts.
Tucker’s camp has been eyeing a $400 million total deal since the start of free agency, and it doesn’t sound like Toronto’s offer comes close to that. If he ultimately decides to go the short-term route in hopes of cashing in again later, LA could be the perfect landing spot-especially if the Mets’ deal hits a snag.
Cody Bellinger: A Familiar Face in a Familiar Standoff
If Tucker ends up out of reach, the Dodgers could pivot to a more familiar name: Cody Bellinger. The former MVP is in the middle of a slow-moving negotiation with the Yankees, who reportedly have a five-year, $155-$160 million offer on the table. But Bellinger’s agent, Scott Boras, is pushing for a seven-year deal-and he’s claiming other teams are ready to match or beat what New York is offering.
The Yankees, for their part, aren’t budging on the years, though they’ve shown some flexibility by offering opt-outs. They don’t want to lose Bellinger the way Boston may have lost out on Bregman-by refusing to play ball with Boras. But so far, it’s a standoff.
The Dodgers, Blue Jays, and Mets are all reportedly in the mix, and the Giants have been floated as a potential dark horse. Still, the Yankees remain the most logical fit unless another team steps in with a longer-term commitment.
As for the Dodgers? They’re keeping the door open.
They’re not likely to go beyond five years, but they’re prepared to move quickly if the Yankees walk away or Bellinger’s camp decides to shift gears. It’s a familiar role for LA-waiting in the wings with a short-term, high-AAV offer that could look mighty appealing if the rest of the market dries up.
Bo Bichette: Philly Rising, But the Race Isn’t Over
Bo Bichette’s market is heating up fast, and the Phillies are making a serious push. According to multiple reports, Philadelphia is “cautiously optimistic” about landing the Blue Jays shortstop.
A big factor? Bichette’s close relationship with Don Mattingly, who recently joined the Phillies as bench coach after leaving Toronto.
That connection could be a game-changer. Chemistry matters, especially when you’re trying to lure a franchise cornerstone away from his current team. And while the Blue Jays are still firmly in the mix, the Phillies have momentum on their side.
But don’t sleep on the Red Sox. After missing out on Bregman, Boston could be looking to make a splash-and Bichette would certainly qualify. A surprise move for the 25-year-old shortstop could help soothe the sting of losing out on one of the offseason’s biggest prizes.
And yes, the Dodgers are still involved here, too. LA has been keeping tabs on Bichette from the start, and while they may not be the frontrunner, they’re still in the hunt. If Philly or Boston falters, the Dodgers could make a late push.
Bottom Line: The Dodgers are playing this offseason with a familiar strategy: calculated patience. They’re not throwing around decade-long offers, but they’re ready with flexible, high-AAV deals that can appeal to stars looking for shorter paths to free agency.
Whether it’s Tucker, Bellinger, or Bichette, LA is in position to strike if the market shifts their way. And given how unpredictable this free-agent cycle has been, don’t be surprised if one of these stars ends up in Dodger blue before long.