Dodgers steal top free agent from Blue Jays for a third year in a row

The Toronto Blue Jays may have already been despising the Los Angeles Dodgers after falling to them in seven games in the World Series this past season. However, the Blue Jays and their fans may loathe them even more now after Kyle Tucker signed with Los Angeles on Thursday (Jan. 15) to a massive four-year, $240 million deal after weeks of persistent pursuit by Toronto. In doing so, the Dodgers completed the trifecta in stealing a top free agent from the Blue Jays for a third year in a row.

Previously, Los Angeles broke the Toronto fans’ hearts when they ultimately signed Japanese two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani during the 2023-24 offseason. If that wasn’t enough already, the Dodgers would follow it up during the winter of 2024-25 to snag Japanese star Roki Sasaki after the Blue Jays did everything they could to maximize their international pool money in an attempt to land him.

Now this offseason, as the annointed favorites across various media sources to sign Tucker, Toronto would see Los Angeles work their magic once again to steal away the star outfielder from their grasp.

Dodgers steal top free agent from Blue Jays for a third year in a row

Now with Tucker in the mix, he will help stabilize and drastically enhance the Dodgers outfield that was perhaps one of their weaknesses in 2025. The 28-year-old star will bring 30+ home runs and 100+ RBIs worth of offensive output over a full 162-game schedule, along with the ability to steal 20+ bases while hitting for a high average and playing consistently solid defense.

In joining the NL West juggernauts, Tucker now joins a potent star-studded lineup that already includes Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Teoscar Hernández, Max Muncy and Will Smith. By fielding what looks like a dream “All-Star team” now, the chances of the Blue Jays or any other team in the league to dethrone the reigning champs just got that much tougher for now and the near future. 

As for the Blue Jays, it sure hurts to be the bridesmaid for a third consecutive year. But they shouldn’t let it linger on them too much as their focus now should be to quickly pivot to Plan B, which should involve either bringing back fan favorite Bo Bichette, or pursue the next best top free agent in Cody Bellinger to help soften the blow. Otherwise, as well as Toronto has performed so far this offseason, the failure to execute one more big move this winter would leave a bittersweet taste in their mouths after missing out on Tucker.