The Los Angeles Dodgers are still eyeing a number of big names on the free agent and trade market, but things are moving slowly. In the meantime, the team continues to make smaller moves.
The Dodgers announced on Friday that they’ve claimed former Minnesota Twins infielder Ryan Fitzgerald off of waivers. He was recently released by the Twins, but now he gets to join the defending World Series champions.
Fitzgerald spent over a decade in the minor leagues before getting a chance to play for the Twins last season. In 24 games, he hit four home runs while batting .196. While he’s mostly an infielder, he can also play in the outfield.
He’s a versatile piece for the Dodgers to add. The sample size is too small to know if he’ll have a chance to play MLB games for Los Angeles this season. He’s already 31, so there might not be a ton of upside there. Regardless, he’ll have a chance to make the team.
Dodgers Still in On Kyle Tucker
Rumors have cooled on a possible trade for Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal. It’s looking more likely that if he gets dealt, it will happen during the season. The Dodgers can afford to be patient with him, considering their pitching staff is loaded.
The Dodgers have a much bigger need in the outfield. Chicago Cubs All-Star Kyle Tucker is the prize of free agency, but he remains unsigned. A big reason for that is that no team seems eager to pay him a $400+ million contract.
The Dodgers are interested, but they want him on a shorter deal that pays him a higher average. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Los Angeles could end up with Tucker if other teams aren’t willing to give him a longer deal.
“Well, remember there was reports early on that he was going to get 400 million, 500 million,” Nightengale said, via Dodgers Nation. “It’s not going to get close to that. And so I think the Blue Jays saying, ‘We’re not going to bid against ourselves.’ So I think they’re kind of laying back. So if you want to come here or not. If not, you could fall right into the Dodgers’ laps on a three or four-year deal. The Mets have some interest as well. The Yankees are more focused on Bellinger. So, he’s a guy who could just fall through the cracks and like I said, fall right in the Dodgers’ laps.”
Why Don’t Teams Want to Give Longer Deal to Tucker?
At the start of the offseason, it seemed like Tucker was a lock to get a 10-year deal. However, teams might be souring on giving those types of deals to players who aren’t consistent MVP candidates.
Tucker is a great player, but he’s only finished top-five in MVP voting once. He’s one of the better outfielders in MLB, but he might not be the level of player to warrant a historic contract.
That works in the Dodgers’ favor. If the offers are the same, why not go to the team that won back-to-back World Series titles?
Dodgers Add Veteran Infielder Amid Rumors of Much Bigger Move