Kyle Tucker’s Contract Includes Deferred Salary

Just when it appeared the Los Angeles Dodgers would perhaps look to make smaller roster moves after signing Edwin Díaz to a record-setting contract, they pounced once again to add Kyle Tucker.

The top position player available in free agency, Tucker chose to sign with the Dodgers over the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays. Tucker reportedly had a 10-year contract offer from the Blue Jays, and the Mets presented him with a short-term deal similar to the Dodgers’.

Although Tucker’s four-year, $240 million contract is setting an MLB record for average annual value, it also includes $30 million in deferred salary, per Alden González of ESPN:

Tucker’s deal comes with $30 million deferred, a source told ESPN, confirming multiple reports.

When taking the deferrals into account, the present-day value of Tucker’s contract is lowered to $57.1 million. It nevertheless passes the $51 million AAV record that belonged to Juan Soto from the deal he signed with the Mets last offseason.

The Dodgers have shown an willingness to offer short-term contracts at an increased AAV, but Tucker is the first to accept that structure. It notably did not entice Bryce Harper in 2019, as he signed what at the time was a record-breaking 13-year, $330 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Harper’s contract with the Phillies does not include any opt-out clauses, which was against advice from agent Scott Boras.

Tucker can exercise an opt-out clause after the second and third seasons with the Dodgers.

Kyle Tucker bobblehead

FOCO released a new bobblehead to celebrate Tucker signing with the Dodgers, marking the first officially licensed product with the team.

Tucker is portrayed in the home Dodgers uniform and an action pose of swinging at the plate. Tucker is set atop a base that includes thematic palm tree accents and highway sign to further capture the feeling of Los Angeles.