The Los Angeles Dodgers didn’t just make noise this offseason - they shook the league. With the blockbuster signings of outfielder Kyle Tucker and closer Edwin Díaz, the Dodgers landed the two biggest contracts of free agency and sent a clear message: the championship window is wide open, and they’re all in.
Tucker, one of the most complete hitters in the game, now holds the crown for the highest average annual value among all MLB players. Díaz, meanwhile, shattered records for relievers with his deal, a testament to just how much L.A. values elite bullpen arms in October.
But here’s the thing - for a while, the Dodgers weren’t sure they’d land either of them.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman recently opened up about the behind-the-scenes uncertainty during negotiations. On Dodgers Territory, Friedman admitted that early on, the front office was prepared for Díaz to return to the Mets. That meant shifting focus to other potential bullpen targets, names like Robert Suárez and Pete Fairbanks - quality arms, but not quite Díaz-level impact.
Then, something changed.
“Near the end, before we closed the deal, we started to sense that opening,” Friedman said. “That we had a real chance, and we struck.”
It was a similar story with Tucker. The Dodgers were eyeing a shorter-term deal - a strategy that always introduces some risk, especially with a player of Tucker’s caliber.
But about a week before they signed him, the club began to feel the momentum shift. Suddenly, what once felt like a long shot started to look like a real possibility.
And from there, the Dodgers didn’t hesitate.
The Díaz signing, in particular, came together quickly once it became clear he was open to a new home. While Suárez had been viewed as a more realistic option - especially given his willingness to consider a shorter-term contract - Díaz ultimately agreed to a three-year deal, a bit of a surprise for a reigning National League Reliever of the Year.
So what swayed him?
According to Díaz, the Dodgers’ winning culture and the way the organization treats its players were major factors. That’s not just lip service. Around the league, L.A. has earned a reputation as a destination - a place where stars want to play, where careers are extended, and where winning isn’t just expected, it’s embedded in the DNA.
That reputation helped with Tucker, too. He cited the opportunity to join a lineup already featuring Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts as a major draw. With that kind of offensive firepower around him, Tucker won’t have to carry the load alone - but he’ll absolutely be a key piece of what could be the most dangerous lineup in baseball.
And the Dodgers aren’t done yet.
They brought back reliever Evan Phillips on a one-year deal this week, keeping one of their most reliable bullpen arms in the fold. And they’re still in talks with other potential additions - including a familiar face in Kiké Hernández.
Hernández, a fan favorite and versatile clubhouse presence, underwent elbow surgery earlier this offseason and is expected to miss the start of the 2026 campaign. But both sides seem content to take their time. Kiké himself hinted back in December that he expected to re-sign with the Dodgers eventually, much like last year when he finalized a deal right around the start of Spring Training.
So while there’s no rush, don’t be surprised if Hernández is back in Dodger blue before long.
Bottom line: The Dodgers didn’t just win the offseason headlines - they made calculated, high-impact moves that could define their 2026 campaign. With Tucker and Díaz on board, and more reinforcements likely on the way, this team isn’t just aiming for another division title. They’re building for October - and they’re doing it with purpose.