Dodgers going all out for Kyle Tucker could be genius with lockout looming

It should come as no surprise to anyone that the Los Angeles Dodgers will be sniffing around Kyle Tucker once free agency is officially underway. Not only do the Dodgers love collecting stars more than the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but after Michael Conforto flamed out, they have a legitimate need in the outfield.

Postseason legend Kiké Hernandez is a fine stopgap in October, but his bat has not proven to hold up over the monotonous slog of the regular season. To that end, Tucker doesn't seem like a luxury, but rather a necessity for 2026.

Beyond the fit, there's another reason why the Dodgers should act with urgency in their pursuit of Tucker, pulling out one of their favorite tricks while they still can.

Aside from the obvious, there's one big reason why the Dodgers should go all-in on Kyle Tucker

Tucker's market value, as per Spotrac, is a 10-year $402 million deal, but as we've learned from Juan Soto a year ago, even that hefty figure can escalate quickly. Entering his age-29 season and with a more significant injury history, Tucker carries more risk than Soto did; however, even if he lands more than projected, it will still be well within what the Dodgers can handle.

And that's especially if they go back to their winning ways and defer a bunch of money in the mega-deal it will take to land his services. The Dodgers' massive revenues more than pay for what they risk by kicking the can down the road, much to the chagrin of the rest of the league.

As Los Angeles vanquished small-market teams like the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers during this playoff run, the belly-aching from the rest of the league has grown louder. This time, though, it's more than just noise.

The current MLB Collective Bargaining Agreement expires on December 1, 2026. The negotiations for a new CBA will be tense, and two key points of contention that specifically affect the Dodgers will be at the center of the table.

First will be a prospective salary cap, or at least a more punitive version of the luxury tax. Think along the lines of the NBA's final tax apron, hard-capping any teams that cross it. Second will be putting an end to deferrals or severely limiting them.

If the Dodgers are to come away victorious in this World Series, the cries from the rest of the league's owners will only grow louder. Of course, for them, this isn't really about preserving competitive balance. Instead, it's about wage suppression and profit protection.

Regardless of the reason, a potential wall is on the horizon that could prevent the Dodgers from operating as they've become accustomed. So now, with what might be their last chance, it is imperative that they go hog wild to land Tucker. They need to blow the other offers out of the water and defer the money until the next century if that's what it takes. Not only is his fit on the roster perfect, but it might be the last time the club can flex this particular muscle to get what they want. They can't afford to miss their shot.