Dodgers go deep again with signing of Kyle Tucker, as much of the baseball world cries foul

"Using a playbook familiar to their front office, the Dodgers waited until the market for slugging outfielder Kyle Tucker dwindled before making him a staggering offer short on duration but generous in dollars. The result is the defending two-time World Series championship team plugging the only hole in its lineup with another superstar - one regarded by many analysts as the prize of this free agency class."

"Kyle Tucker signs with Dodgers for $240 million over four years, setting an MLB record average annual value of $57.1 million. The defending two-time World Series champions used financial advantages including Shohei Ohtani's deferred money and lucrative TV deals to fill their lineup's final hole. The megadeal has sparked outcry around baseball over competitive balance, with some calling for a salary cap, while the Dodgers remain within current MLB rules."

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Kyle Tucker for $240 million over four years, including a $64 million signing bonus and $30 million deferred, with opt-outs after the 2027 and 2028 seasons. The deal sets an MLB record for average annual value at $57.1 million. The Dodgers waited for the market to wane before making the offer and used financial flexibility from deferred payments and lucrative TV deals to fill their final lineup hole. Projections earlier suggested a longer, larger contract, and rival teams made offers, but Tucker chose the Dodgers. The megadeal has intensified debate over competitive balance and calls for a salary cap, though the transaction complies with current MLB rules.

Read at Los Angeles Times