The Los Angeles Dodgers just added another marquee name to their already star-studded offseason, reportedly locking in outfielder Kyle Tucker on a four-year, $240 million deal. The contract is said to include deferrals and multiple opt-out clauses, giving both sides some long-term flexibility - but make no mistake, this is a win-now move for a team clearly all-in.
Tucker, one of the most consistent offensive threats in the game, joins a Dodgers roster that’s already stacked with elite talent. His addition comes just weeks after the team stunned the baseball world by signing closer Edwin Díaz to a three-year, $69 million deal. Both players turned down qualifying offers from their previous clubs, which means the Dodgers are paying a price beyond just the dollars.
By bringing in Díaz, L.A. already forfeited their second- and fifth-highest picks in the upcoming 2026 MLB Draft. Now, with Tucker in the fold, they’ll also lose their third- and sixth-round selections.
That’s four draft picks gone - a hefty cost, no doubt - but the Dodgers are betting on proven talent over future potential. It’s a bold strategy, but one that fits the franchise’s aggressive approach to roster building.
This is the first time in franchise history that the Dodgers have signed two free agents tied to qualifying offers in the same offseason. It’s not uncharted territory, though.
In recent years, they’ve been willing to part with draft capital to bring in top-tier talent like Shohei Ohtani (2024), Freddie Freeman (2022), Trevor Bauer (2021), and AJ Pollock (2019). The front office has shown time and again that when the right player is available, they won’t hesitate to make a move - even if it means sacrificing future assets.
With the additions of Tucker and Díaz, the Dodgers are now set to make just 16 selections in the 2026 MLB Draft. Their first pick will come at No. 40 overall, a slot that slid back 10 spots due to the club exceeding the third competitive balance tax threshold last season. That’s a significant drop, but again, it’s clear where L.A.’s priorities lie: building a championship-caliber roster right now.
Unless they make another splash by signing one of the two remaining free agents who declined qualifying offers - Zac Gallen and Framber Valdez - the Dodgers’ draft outlook is set. And while the loss of picks will sting for the scouting department, it’s hard to argue with the on-field upside. With Tucker’s bat and Díaz’s arm now in the mix, the Dodgers are positioning themselves for another deep October run.
As for the 2026 MLB Draft itself, it’s set for July 11-12 during All-Star Week in Philadelphia. The Chicago White Sox will kick things off with the No. 1 overall pick after winning the draft lottery in December.
But for the Dodgers, the real action is already underway - and they’re making it clear they’re not waiting around for the future. They’re chasing rings now.