Los Angeles Dodgers Eye Cubs Star as Potential $500 Million Target in Free Agency

The Los Angeles Dodgers may already boast one of the deepest and most expensive rosters in baseball, but they’re not done making waves. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Dodgers are expected to pursue Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker when he hits free agency this offseason — even if they don’t emerge as the top bidder.

“The Los Angeles Dodgers plan to jump into the free-agent fray for Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker this winter,” Nightengale wrote. “They may not be the high bidder, but they’ll surely keep everyone honest just as they did when they were in the Juan Soto sweepstakes.”

What Kyle Tucker Offers The Los Angeles Dodgers

Tucker, 28, is poised to command a contract north of $500 million following another strong campaign. After being traded from the Houston Astros to the Cubs this past winter, Tucker has picked up right where he left off — slashing .276 with 10 home runs and 32 RBIs through his first 40 games. The Cubs currently sit atop the NL Central.

A three-time All-Star and 2022 World Series champion, Tucker has a career batting average of .275 with 135 home runs and led the American League in RBIs (112) just last season.

For the Dodgers, the pursuit of Tucker would come despite major financial commitments already in place. The team has shelled out big deals for Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Teoscar Hernández, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tommy Edman, and Tanner Scott.

Still, this is a franchise that has shown no hesitation in spending to win. One question looms: if Los Angeles wins another World Series this fall, would that impact their approach? Will they pull back or double down?

Either way, Tucker is shaping up to be the most coveted name on the market — and the Dodgers are sure to be in the conversation.