SI:AM | Of Course the Dodgers Got Him

Kyle Tucker, the best free-agent hitter available, is joining the two-time defending World Series champions.

Dan Gartland Good morning, I'm Dan Gartland. Aren't sports more fun when there's a clearly defined villain? In today's SI: AM: ⚾ Dodgers' latest splash 🏀 New college hoops scandal ⛳ Golf season preview David Banks/Imagn Images Three-peat incoming? This winter's best free agent is joining the best team in MLB.  Kyle Tucker, the 28-year-old former Astros and Cubs outfielder, has agreed to sign with the Dodgers, according to multiple reports. It's a four-year contract worth $240 million ($60 million per year) with opt-outs after the second and third seasons. Only $30 million of Tucker's salary is deferred.  Tucker was the consensus top player available to sign this offseason and had reportedly been deciding between the Dodgers, Blue Jays and Mets. New York and Los Angeles had been offering short-term deals with a high average annual value, while Toronto had reportedly offered more years at a lower per year average but higher total value.  The Dodgers will pay a hefty price for Tucker's services. The $30 million in deferred salary knocks the contract's present-day AAV down to $57.1 million. That's the highest in MLB history, beating Juan Soto's $51 million. That's what Tucker will be paid, but not what the Dodgers will pay to employ him. The Dodgers' league-leading payroll is above MLB's highest luxury tax threshold, meaning Los Angeles will pay 110% of Tucker's contract value in luxury tax. That brings the team's total cost to $119.9 million per year.  READ MORE FROM DAN The best of Sports Illustrated David Gonzales/Imagn Images The Dodgers once again made a big splash in free agency as they signed outfielder Kyle Tucker to a massive deal. Tom Verducci gives his 10 thoughts on the record deal. Pat Forde condemns the silence in the wake of another point-shaving scandal in college basketball, which has simmered in plain sight for more than a year. Two former players struck a plea deal ahead of the announcement of the latest game-fixing probe, Forde and Michael Rosenberg report. Forde and Rosenberg also provide a look at the 26 charged in the alleged scheme. Can anyone take down Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner? On the women's side, can Aryna Sabalenka get a third title? Jon Wertheim answers those questions and breaks down the men's and women's matchups to watch at the Australian Open. The PGA Tour returns this week at the Sony Open in Hawai'i, and Max Schreiber identifies the key storylines that will define the 2026 season. Bob Harig writes about how Rory McIlroy, while making his 2026 debut in Dubai, slammed LIV Golf in the wake of Brooks Koepka's PGA Tour return. Get the print edition of Sports Illustrated delivered to your door. Click to subscribe! Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images The top five ... … things I saw last night:  5. Victor Wembanyama's shot from the opposite free-throw line during warmups.  4. Sharks youngster Macklin Celebrini's between-the-legs assist. The 19-year-old Celebrini is having an incredible season (third in the NHL with 71 points), and I can't wait for a bigger audience to discover him in the Olympics.  3. Dominique Darius's game-winning three for Syracuse in triple overtime.  2. Anthony Black's dunk on four people.  1. Golden Knights goalie Adin Hill's ridiculous diving backwards kick save.  Best of SI Video ... NBC Sports host Mike Tirico is this week's guest on SI Media with Jimmy Traina, where they discuss several topics, including criticisms of Tirico's chats with Michael Jordan before the network's NBA coverage. Sign up for SI Newsletters Stay ahead of the game—sign up for all of SI's newsletters, from golf and soccer to MMQB, and never miss a moment. Get it in your inbox We may receive compensation for some links to products and services included in this email. Sports Publishing Solutions Inc. 625 Broadway, 10th floor New York, NY. 10012 You are receiving this email because you are subscribed to the SI:AM newsletter. You can unsubscribe here . Privacy Policy – Terms & Conditions © 2026 Sports Publishing Solutions Inc. All rights reserved. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. All betting and gambling content included in the SI:AM newsletter is intended for individuals 21+ (18+ in DC, KY, NH, RI, and WY). Betting and gambling content, including picks and predictions, are based on individual commentators' opinions and we do not guarantee any success or profits. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER or texting 800GAM. Click this link to view the newsletter in your browser.