Report: Owners will push for salary cap after Dodgers land Tucker

MLB owners are "raging" and will "100%" push for a salary cap after the Los Angeles Dodgers landed All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in free agency, a source told Evan Drellich of The Athletic.

"These guys are going to go for a cap no matter what it takes," the source added.

The two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers stunned the baseball world last Thursday by agreeing to a four-year, $240-million deal with Tucker, who was widely considered the top player available on the open market.

However, the New York Mets also ruffled some feathers after pivoting to Bo Bichette via a three-year, $126-million deal after losing out on Tucker, adds Drellich.

Owners reportedly believe the Dodgers and Mets might be the only teams unwilling to support a cap in the next collective bargaining agreement.

Commissioner Rob Manfred has yet to publicly push for a cap ahead of the looming labor negotiations. However, he plans to propose a free-agent signing deadline and is open to changing MLB's regular-season schedule, among other things.

Owners also believe the Tucker deal validates the need for changes due to revenue and payroll disparities, according to Drellich.

The Dodgers are projected to start the 2026 season with a payroll over $400 million. The only other teams expected to be above $300 million are the Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and Philadelphia Phillies, while the Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays will likely be below $100 million.

Owners are expected to discuss what a potential salary ceiling and floor could look like in February, per Drellich.

The current CBA expires at the end of the year on Dec. 1.