The Los Angeles Dodgers just made another power move, signing All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million deal-one that not only adds another elite bat to an already loaded lineup but also sends a clear message to the rest of the National League: the Dodgers aren’t just trying to win-they’re trying to dominate.
The contract itself is classic Dodgers. It includes opt-outs after the 2027 and 2028 seasons, giving Tucker the flexibility to test the market again if he chooses. And of course, there are deferrals-$30 million worth-because when it comes to creative financial engineering, few front offices play the long game like LA.
For the San Francisco Giants, this move only widens the already significant talent gap between them and their longtime rivals. The Giants have been trying to rebuild and retool, but while they’ve made some strides, the Dodgers are operating on a different level-financially, strategically, and on the field.
Tucker reportedly had a long-term offer from the Toronto Blue Jays but ultimately chose to join a team that’s become a magnet for top-tier talent. And who can blame him? The Dodgers offer a chance to compete for a title every year, backed by a deep roster and a front office that knows how to stay aggressive without losing sight of sustainability.
That’s a tough pill for Giants fans to swallow. The rivalry between San Francisco and Los Angeles is one of the most storied in baseball, but rivalries thrive on competition. And right now, the Dodgers are building a juggernaut while the Giants are trying to stay afloat in a division that’s quickly becoming one-sided.
Could the Giants make a splash of their own? Sure.
A move like signing Cody Bellinger would help, but it wouldn’t close the gap. Not when the Dodgers are stacking MVP-caliber talent and still have the resources to keep going.
So where does that leave San Francisco? Realistically, their path to October likely runs through the Wild Card.
If they can win 85 to 90 games, they’ll be in the mix-and once you’re in, anything can happen. We’ve seen it before.
But getting there means finding ways to compete in a division where they’ll face the Dodgers 13 times a season. And on paper, those matchups look like uphill battles.
This isn’t just about one signing. It’s about the broader implications of a team like the Dodgers continuing to consolidate star power.
Some will argue this is good for the game-more stars in big markets, more national attention. But it also risks making it easier for other teams to justify not spending, not competing, and not pushing to close the gap.
For now, the Dodgers are the standard. They’re setting the pace, and everyone else-including the Giants-is trying to keep up.
Whether that’s sustainable for the health of the game is a conversation for another day. But make no mistake: the NL West runs through Los Angeles, and after the Tucker signing, it’s not particularly close.