Kyle Tucker, the top slugger and most coveted player on this year's free agent market, startled the baseball industry with a destination that's become all too familiar to those finishing out of the money for a player's services: The two-time defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
Tucker spurned the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets and instead agreed to terms Jan. 15 with the Dodgers on a four-year, $240 million contract, a person familiar with the agreement confirmed to USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal, first reported by ESPN, has not been finalized. Tucker's contract will include opt-outs after the second and third years.
Tucker, who turns 29 in January, was undeniably the top free agent this winter after first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signed a 14-year, $500 million extension with the Blue Jays. And after the Blue Jays reached Game 7 of the World Series and signaled their intention to remain aggressive, they appeared to be the frontrunner for Tucker's services.
Instead, the Dodgers - who just more than two months ago vanquished the Blue Jays in an unforgettable World Series Game 7 - prevailed again.
While it took two months of free agency for Tucker to find a home, he had no shortage of options as the bidding process wound down. The Mets offered him a reported $50 million annual salary, but on a shorter-term deal, a parameter the Dodgers apparently preferred as well; despite a half-billion dollar roster, the Dodgers were in need of outfield punch and lurked in the running.
