LA DFA outfielder after officially announcing Kyle Tucker’s $240 million signing

The Los Angeles Dodgers officially announced on Wednesday signing outfielder Kyle Tuckerwho agreed to a four-year, $240 million contract that includes a $64 million signing bonus and annual salary structured with partial deferrals. To clear a spot on the 40 man roster for Taker, the team he designated outfielder Michael Ciani for assignment.

Tucker’s contract, finalized after rejecting a qualifying offer from the Chicago Cubs and fielding competing offers from the New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays, includes $54 million of his signing bonus payable on Feb. 15 and $10 million on Feb. 1, 2017. Annual salaries are set at $502 million, with $27 million in $16 million. $60 million for 2028 and 2029, with $30 million deferred for 2027-29. The contract also gives Tucker opt-out options after the 2027 and 2028 seasons, giving him flexibility after two or three years, an unusual feature for Dodgers contracts. These delays reduce the average annual value to approximately $57.2 million per year.

With the 29-year-old now on the roster, Los Angeles’ outfield is expected to feature Teoscar Hernandez in left tackle, Andy Pages in center and Tucker in right tackle. Tucker is also projected to be at the top of the order, possibly as a second or third baseman, enhancing an already potent lineup that includes Mookie Betts, Tommy Edman and Hieseong Kim. Adding Tucker not only increases the Dodgers’ chances of a triple, but also shows their commitment to acquiring impact players, even if it meant giving up their third- and sixth-round picks in the 2026 MLB draft.

Meanwhile, Siani now faces an uncertain future after being singled out for the task. A defensive-minded outfielder, Siani was fired by the Atlanta Braves in December after a similar claim by St. Louis Cardinals in November. Over parts of four major league seasons, the 26-year-old posted a .221/.277/.270 batting line with 21 stolen bases in 160 games, though his defensive metrics were strong, including 16 strikeouts above average in 2024.

Last season at Triple-A Memphis, Siani hit .209/.307/.329 with 28 steals in 101 games. With one minor league option remaining, he could remain in Los Angeles if he clears waivers, providing a glove and speed option at Triple-A Oklahoma City.

The Dodgers’ move demonstrates the balancing act of building a championship roster, bringing in stars like Tucker while managing roster flexibility and depth. That Siani was designated for assignment is a reminder of the competitive nature of maintaining a 40-man roster in an era of record signings and strategic acquisitions.