MLB rumors: Dodgers expected to pursue top free agent Kyle Tucker this offseason, per report

The most pressing issue for the Los Angeles Dodgers is winning the World Series for a second straight season against the Toronto Blue Jays or Seattle Mariners. However, in the longer term, the Dodgers – consistent with much of recent history – could be in the running for the most coveted free agent in the class. This time around, the New York Post reports that the Dodgers are expected to pursue outfielder Kyle Tucker, who will hit the market this winter.

Tucker, 28, is coming off a good season with the Chicago Cubs, who acquired him via a four-player trade last December. In 136 games, he had an OPS+ of 143 with 22 home runs, 25 stolen bases and a WAR of 4.5. Tucker may have found himself in the National League MVP discussion, but a finger injury followed by a calf strain played a role in his numbers dropping later in the season. For his career, the four-time All-Star has an OPS+ of 140 over eight MLB seasons, including seven with the Houston Astros.

The Dodgers could use an upgrade in the corner outfield, and that’s especially the case if Teoscar Hernández continues to show signs of offensive decline. This season, the Dodgers’ left fielders — the disappointing Michael Conforto has gotten most of the playing time there — have combined to hit just .229/.317/.385, less than optimal production for such a bat-first position. Tucker would certainly be a significant upgrade over that (he could play left or Hernández could move from right to left), and the Dodgers, of course, have the resources and ownership commitment to secure his services — even if the bidding reaches $400 million or more.

That said, the competition for Tucker will likely be significant, as he will likely be the most sought-after free agent of the upcoming offseason.