Kyle Tucker has signed a four-year, $240 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to a source familiar with the matter, boosting the team’s chances of winning a third straight World Series title.

This source spoke to the Associated Press on Thursday night on condition of anonymity, as the agreement has not yet been formalized by the organization.

With an average annual salary of 60 million, it would be the second most expensive contract in baseball history, behind Shohei Ohtani’s, which is equivalent to 70 million annually.

When healthy, Tucker is one of the most complete players in the majors. However, the outfielder has played in just 214 regular-season games over the past two years.

Last season with the Chicago Cubs, he posted a .266 batting average with 22 home runs and 73 RBIs. He was acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Houston Astros in December 2024 that sent young Cam Smith to the Astros.

Tucker suffered two injuries during his only season with the Cubs. He suffered a small fracture in his right hand during a freak slide against the Cincinnati Reds on Day 1^er June and also injured his left calf against the Atlanta Braves on September 2.

After a strong start with his new team, Tucker maintained just a .231 batting average with five home runs in 41 games after the All-Star break. He served as a designated hitter in the postseason, as the Cubs eliminated the San Diego Padres in the first round before losing to the Milwaukee Brewers in five games.

Tucker, who turns 29 on Saturday, turned down a qualified offer of $22 million in November. His new contract will therefore allow the Cubs to obtain a compensatory draft pick.

Tucker was selected fifth overall in the 2015 amateur draft by the Astros. He has played in the World Series three times with the Astros, winning the title in 2022.

He has hit at least 29 home runs and driven in at least 92 runs in three consecutive seasons from 2021 to 2023. He won a Gold Glove in 2022 and led the American League with 112 RBIs in 2023.

In his final season in Houston, he played only 78 games due to a fractured right tibia, but maintained a .289 batting average with 23 home runs and 49 RBIs.

A native of Tampa, Florida, Tucker has a .273 batting average with 147 home runs and 490 RBIs in 769 career games. He also has 119 stolen bases in 135 attempts.

(New York) Outfielder Max Kepler was suspended 80 games on Friday after testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance in violation of Major League Baseball’s anti-doping program.

Kepler tested positive for epirenbolone, a substance that led to the suspension of boxer Manuel Charr in 2018.

A veteran of 11 seasons of major league baseball, Kepler will turn 33 next month.

He spent last year with the Philadelphia Phillies after 10 seasons with the Minnesota Twins.

Kepler hit .216 in 127 games last year with 18 home runs and 52 RBIs.

He has 179 home runs and 560 RBIs in the big leagues, with a .235 batting average.

His best season was 2019: he hit 36 ​​home runs and 90 RBIs while batting .252.

(Toronto) Japanese hitter Kazuma Okamoto had help from his family to choose the team that best suited him in the MLB.

“I put the logos of the 30 teams in front of my daughter and asked which one she liked best,” he said Tuesday through his interpreter Gino Gordon. She pointed to the Blue Jays. That stayed in my mind. »

The Blue Jays officially introduced the 29-year-old infielder at an early afternoon press conference after signing him to a four-year, $60 million contract over the weekend.

He impressed in 11 years in Japan, leading NPB in long balls three times.

“We’ve definitely become a better club,” Jays general manager Ross Atkins said.

Okamoto brings power; In 2025, Toronto was middle of the pack in home runs, but the team led the majors in batting average (.265) and on-base percentage (.333).

He is expected to play third base, but could also play first base and left field.

Okamoto said he enjoys this versatile role that allows him to contribute in a variety of ways.

“I consider myself a solid player with excellent batting skills,” he said. In defense I like to play in several places. »

With several big-name free agents available — led by shortstop Bo Bichette, the Jays’ star since 2021 — Atkins was asked about other potential signings.

It remained vacant.

“We will always be open to improving our organization and our team if possible,” he said to a packed press room, including several Japanese journalists.

A six-time All-Star for the Yomiuri Giants, Okamoto had a .327 batting average last season.

He collected 15 home runs and 49 RBIs in 69 games.

A 6-foot, 200-pound athlete, he missed more than half the season with an elbow injury.

Surrounded by Atkins and his agent Scott Boras, Okamoto began his press conference with a brief statement in English.

“I’m very happy to be joining the Blue Jays,” he said. I will work hard every day and do my best for the team. »

Okamoto has hit 25 or more home runs in seven consecutive seasons from 2018 to 2024.

He contributed to Japan’s victory in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, hitting a solo home run and scoring two runs in the eventual 3–2 victory over the United States.

“He’s had an incredible career so far,” Atkins said. His impact on both sides of the field, his offensive potential is exceptional. This suits us perfectly. »

Under MLB’s transfer agreement with NPB, the Blue Jays must pay the Giants a transfer fee of $10.875 million.

This is the latest acquisition by the Blue Jays, who in recent weeks have drafted pitchers Dylan Cease (seven years, $210 million), Cody Ponce (three years, $30 million) and Tyler Rogers (three years, $37 million).

Coveted free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker visited the Jays’ spring training facility in December.

The Blue Jays will begin the season on March 27 against the A’s at Rogers Centre.