Dodgers Land Kyle Tucker in Blockbuster Deal, Shaking Up the Bichette Sweepstakes
The biggest domino of this MLB offseason has officially dropped - and it’s landed in Los Angeles. The Dodgers, already riding high after back-to-back World Series titles, just added another star to their galaxy, signing All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million deal. That’s a staggering $60 million per year, with opt-outs after the second and third seasons and $30 million in deferred money built in.
It’s a jaw-dropping contract, and it’s not just about the money - it’s about what it signals. The Dodgers, who already made waves earlier this offseason by locking up elite closer Edwin Díaz, have now locked down the top position player on the market. This isn’t just a team trying to stay on top - it’s a team trying to build a dynasty.
And for the rest of the league, especially contenders in the National League, the ripple effects are immediate.
Tucker Chooses Hollywood, Not Queens or Canada
Heading into this week, the Tucker sweepstakes appeared to be down to three teams: the Dodgers, the Mets, and the Blue Jays. Toronto reportedly went all-in, even considering a 10-year offer - a bold swing for a franchise that came within two outs of a World Series title last season. But in the end, Tucker opted for the shorter-term deal with a massive average annual value, choosing the defending champs and the bright lights of L.A.
That decision may have just reshaped the rest of the free agent market, especially for teams still hunting for a big bat.
Phillies in Pursuit of Bichette - But Blue Jays May Be Back in the Mix
With Tucker off the board, attention now shifts to Bo Bichette - and the race to land the 27-year-old shortstop could come down to two teams: the Phillies and the Blue Jays.
Philadelphia has been circling Bichette for a while now. They reportedly held a virtual meeting with him earlier this week and are considered one of the frontrunners.
It makes sense - the Phillies have been in need of a consistent offensive threat, particularly in October. Their bats have gone cold in back-to-back playoff exits, and adding a player like Bichette could be the jolt they need.
But here’s the twist: with Tucker no longer an option, the Blue Jays may pivot back to their homegrown star. Bichette has spent all seven of his MLB seasons in Toronto, and while the Jays seemed ready to chase Tucker hard, missing out on him could shift their focus back to retaining a player they already know, trust, and have built around.
From Toronto’s perspective, it’s a logical move. They were on the doorstep of a championship last season and just missed out on one of the biggest names in free agency. Bringing back Bichette keeps their window wide open - and keeps him away from a direct competitor in the National League.
Phillies Face Uphill Battle
For the Phillies, this just got trickier. They may be willing to go big - both in terms of years and dollars - to lure Bichette away. But convincing a player to leave the only organization he’s ever known is no small task, especially when that team is still contending and now has even more incentive to keep him.
The market for Bichette may now be down to just two serious players. But with Toronto re-entering the picture and holding the familiarity card, Philadelphia will need to make a compelling case - financially and competitively - to win this one.
Bottom line: Kyle Tucker’s move to L.A. didn’t just make the Dodgers better. It reshaped the entire free agent landscape. And with Bo Bichette now the next big name in play, the battle between the Phillies and Blue Jays is just heating up.