Predicting the performance of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the playoffs is a mystery. The current MLB champions have both pitching quality and power in their bats. However, neither has shown the consistency required of a defending champion. Their arrival in October is 75% assured, but they do not have a 10% chance of even reaching the National League Championship Series.
So once again, the Dodgers will sweep free agency to find that balance between offensive power and good defense with money. The last two offseasons have belonged to the Dodgers, as they signed Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto two winters ago and a cavalry of stars, including Blake Snell, Teoscar Hernandez and Tanner Scott last offseason.
Who is the player who has caught the attention of the Los Angeles Dodgers?
It’s no secret that the Los Angeles outfield has been neglected. If the Dodgers win the bidding for Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker, many fans, commentators and small team owners will be hurt. But on Sunday there were early signs that these people might want to start getting ready. In the face of this wake-up call, several rival executives predict that the Dodgers will sign Kyle Tucker when they put a lot of numbers on the check.
On Sunday, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that several Major League Baseball executives believe Tucker is destined to join the Dodgers, who have surprisingly struggled to resolve the right field position this season, in free agency. Despite the Cubs outfielder’s struggles, Kyle Tucker, since the All-Star break, hitting .242 with just five home runs and 17 RBI, rival executives still believe he will be the highest-paid player in free agency.
The Dodgers’ problems that could affect MLB in general
The main consequence of Tucker’s involvement with the Dodgers could come next offseason, when the collective bargaining agreement expires. There is already much anticipation about the implementation of a salary cap and the possibility of a work stoppage, and if the Dodgers were to increase their annual payroll by some $40 million, it could cause outrage.
However, the competitive implications should not be ignored either. The bidding for the National League West was intense last offseason, and the San Francisco Giants in particular should be motivated to respond to the possible signing of Tucker. San Francisco finally got a slugger, Rafael Devers, via trade in June, but more reinforcements are welcome.
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