Dodgers Ignite Hot Stove, Land Prized Free Agent Kyle Tucker; Kershaw Joins Team USA for Final Act
LOS ANGELES — In a move that sent shockwaves through the league and solidified their status as the sport’s undisputed titan, the Los Angeles Dodgers have reached an agreement with superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker.
The deal, first reported late Thursday night by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, brings the premier left-handed bat of the 2026 free-agent class to a roster already overflowing with Hall of Fame talent. Tucker, who celebrates his 29th birthday this Saturday, joins a Dodgers squad coming off back-to-back World Series titles, effectively ending a high-stakes bidding war that saw the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays fall just short.
While the official financial terms have not been disclosed, industry insiders suggest a short-term, high-AAV (Average Annual Value) structure in the neighborhood of $45 million to $50 million per year. This aggressive pursuit by Andrew Friedman’s front office signals a “win-now-and-forever” mentality, pairing Tucker with Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts to create what many are already calling the most formidable lineup in MLB history.
The King of the Market Moves West
Tucker’s journey to Chavez Ravine follows a productive, albeit injury-hampered, 2025 campaign with the Chicago Cubs. After being acquired by Chicago from the Houston Astros via trade the previous winter, “King Tuck” flashed the elite tools that have made him a perennial All-Star.
- 2025 Stats: .266/.377/.464 with 22 home runs and 73 RBIs in 136 games.
- Accolades: Earned his fourth consecutive All-Star nod and a second career Silver Slugger.
- The Setback: A hairline fracture in his right hand in June and a late-season calf strain slowed a torrid first half where he looked like an NL MVP frontrunner.
Despite the late-season dip, Tucker remains a five-tool cornerstone. Since 2021, he has averaged over 5.0 WAR per season. His defensive prowess (a former Gold Glove winner) and elite baserunning (25 steals in 2025) provide the Dodgers with a complete player to patrol right field, potentially allowing Mookie Betts to remain in the infield or rotate through a versatile defensive alignment.
Because Tucker declined a $22.025 million qualifying offer from the Cubs, Chicago will receive a compensatory draft pick, while the Dodgers will forfeit a portion of their international signing bonus pool and a high draft selection—a price the Los Angeles front office is clearly comfortable paying to secure a generational talent in his prime.
Kershaw’s “Last Dance” on the Global Stage
As one star arrives in L.A., another prepares for a poignant farewell. Just hours before the Tucker news broke, USA Baseball confirmed that legendary southpaw Clayton Kershaw has committed to pitch for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC).
Kershaw, who announced his retirement from Major League Baseball following the Dodgers’ 2025 World Series triumph over the Blue Jays, will use the international tournament as the definitive final chapter of his career.
“I just want to be the insurance policy,” Kershaw told MLB Network. “I started throwing 10, 12 days ago, and it doesn’t feel terrible. I just want to be a part of this group.”
The 37-year-old icon, a three-time Cy Young winner and 2014 MVP, went 11-2 with a 3.36 ERA in his final MLB season. His inclusion in the WBC roster is a full-circle moment; Kershaw was forced to opt out of the 2023 tournament due to insurance complications. Now, he joins a “Dream Team” rotation featuring Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, and Logan Webb.
Projecting the 2026 Dodgers “Murderer’s Row”
The addition of Tucker creates a logistical “problem” that any manager would envy. Dave Roberts now oversees a lineup where a four-time All-Star like Tucker may hit as low as fifth.
| Order | Player | Position |
| 1 | Shohei Ohtani | DH |
| 2 | Mookie Betts | SS/2B |
| 3 | Freddie Freeman | 1B |
| 4 | Will Smith | C |
| 5 | Kyle Tucker | RF |
| 6 | Teoscar Hernandez | LF |
| 7 | Max Muncy | 3B |
Frequently Asked Questions: Kyle Tucker & Clayton Kershaw News
Kyle Tucker’s Move to the Dodgers
What are the terms of Kyle Tucker’s contract? While exact terms are being finalized, industry reports suggest a short-term, high-AAV (Average Annual Value) deal. Estimates place the contract in the range of 3 years and $135–$150 million ($45M–$50M per year), potentially including an opt-out after 2027.
Why did Tucker leave the Chicago Cubs? Tucker was a free agent after a one-year stint in Chicago. While he was productive, his second half was hampered by injuries (hand fracture and calf strain). With the Cubs signing Alex Bregman earlier this week, and the Dodgers offering a chance at a “three-peat,” the allure of Los Angeles proved decisive.
Where will Tucker hit in the Dodgers’ lineup? Early projections have Tucker slotted in the 5th spot, playing right field. This allows Dave Roberts to maintain a lefty-righty-lefty balance with Shohei Ohtani (L), Mookie Betts (R), and Freddie Freeman (L) ahead of him.
How many All-Star selections does Tucker have? As of early 2026, Kyle Tucker is a four-time All-Star (2022–2025). He has also earned two Silver Sluggers and a Gold Glove during his career with the Astros and Cubs.
Clayton Kershaw & The World Baseball Classic
Is Clayton Kershaw really coming out of retirement? Not for the MLB season. Kershaw has confirmed he is retired from professional club baseball but will pitch for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) this March as a “final send-off.”
What will Kershaw’s role be for Team USA? Kershaw has described himself as an “insurance policy.” He is expected to be a veteran presence in a rotation that includes younger stars like Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal, likely serving as a bulk-innings eater or emergency option.
When does the World Baseball Classic start? The tournament begins on March 5, 2026. Team USA’s first game is scheduled against Brazil in Houston on March 6.
Why is he playing now when he couldn’t in 2023? In 2023, Kershaw couldn’t play due to complications insuring his $20 million Dodgers contract. Since he is now retired from the MLB, those contract insurance hurdles no longer apply, allowing him to represent his country freely.
