A pair of prominent MLB insiders suggest the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ adding star closer Edwin Diaz is the latest proof that signing Kyle Tucker and trading for AL Cy Young Tarik Skubal are still very real possibilities.
The Dodgers remain atop the baseball world after winning a second straight World Series title in October. It was a moment that frustrated many MLB fans outside LA. The reigning champs are absolutely stacked, most of their stars are still in their prime, and they have more young talent on the way. There is no reason to doubt they could potentially win it all again in 2026 and 2027.
The hope was that after another title this year, LA would be much more conservative about new acquisitions this offseason. Well, that all changed on Tuesday, when they gave former New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz a record three-year deal worth $69 million. That is why The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Katie Woo believe the Dodgers should not be ruled out of next going after Kyle Tucker and landing Tarik Skubal in a trade. Moves the club has been linked to in recent weeks.
The MLB insider believes that the Dodgers are well aware that their absurd spending the last three years will likely be restricted going forward when a new collective bargaining agreement is created after next season. Furthermore, since they have one of the best farm systems in the league, why not lose key pieces for a superstar pitcher like Skubal, or draft picks by signing Tucker? They willingly forked over a pair of picks for Diaz this week.
LA Dodgers open to short-term, high AAV in Kyle Tucker contract
The Athletic reporters admit that the Dodgers adding Tucker is unlikely. But it’s mainly because they are unlikely to give him the six or seven-year deal he wants. However, they report “The club would entertain a shorter three-to-four-year deal with a high annual average value, similar to what Alex Bregman landed last spring.”
They also feel getting Skubal is probably more unlikely than signing Tucker. The reason is that they really don’t need him. They have a ton of talented pitching depth, including some talented youngsters who will return in 2026. But it doesn’t mean they aren’t open to a potential blockbuster trade, or lack the means to put together a package that would appeal to the Detroit Tigers.
“Per multiple league sources, Díaz’s deal materialized quickly over the course of a few days,” the outlet revealed. “The same could happen for a potential Tucker signing or Skubal trade. As the Díaz deal demonstrated anew, nothing could be ruled out when the Dodgers are involved.”
