MLB Owners ‘Raging’, Will ‘100%’ Push For Salary Cap After Dodgers’ $240M Kyle Tucker Signing: REPORT

A contingent of Major League Baseball owners is reportedly so frustrated with the Los Angeles Dodgers that they are preparing to advocate strongly for the introduction of a salary cap.

According to The Athletic’s Evan Drellich, these owners are “raging” following the Dodgers’ recent free agent acquisition of right fielder Kyle Tucker. The move has intensified their resolve to the point that pushing for a salary cap is now described as a “100% certainty” among the group.

“These guys are going to go for a cap no matter what it takes,” said one source while speaking with The Athletic. (RELATED: Darian Mensah Allowed To Enter Transfer Portal After Judge Blocks Duke Football’s Lawsuit To Keep Him Out: REPORT)

Recently, Los Angeles inked Tucker to a four-year, $240 million contract. The deal carries an average annual value of $60 million, placing it second only to designated hitter and starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani’s contract in MLB history in terms of AAV. However, because a substantial portion of Ohtani’s deal is deferred, Tucker’s agreement is viewed as the most expensive in the sport.

He was ranked as the No. 1 free agent in the 2026 offseason by Yahoo Sports.

Fresh off back-to-back World Series championships, the Dodgers are projected to carry a payroll exceeding $413 million this season. While that figure represents a slight dip from 2025, it remains comfortably the highest in baseball. Just three other franchises — the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays — are expected to surpass the $300 million mark.

BREAKING: It’s “a 100 percent certainty” that MLB owners will push for a salary cap after Kyle Tucker’s free agency agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers, a source tells @EvanDrellich. pic.twitter.com/v3y5Kumr3Y

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) January 20, 2026

By contrast, three clubs — the Cleveland Guardians, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins — are forecasted to operate with payrolls ranging from $100-120 million. Overall, exactly half of MLB’s 30 franchises are projected to spend under $200 million in the upcoming campaign.

Although the Dodgers’ signing of Tucker served as the primary trigger for the current wave of owner frustration, the Mets’ three-year, $126 million agreement with shortstop Bo Bichette further intensified the discontent. According to the report from The Athletic, these two organizations may be the biggest obstacles to block a pathway towards implementing a salary cap.

Discussions about a salary cap have persisted in baseball for years, as have efforts to address the growing payroll imbalances throughout the league. The Athletic’s report indicates that establishing both a salary floor and ceiling is likely to be a topic during the owners meeting in February. (RELATED: Ole Miss’s Michael La Sasso Makes Stunning LIV Decision That Sees Masters Invite, PGA Tour Membership Slip Away)

Any proposed labor agreement would need eight dissenting votes to be blocked. However, the players’ association has historically resisted a salary cap fiercely, even triggering work stoppages in the past to prevent its adoption.

The current collective bargaining agreement between MLB and the players is set to expire right before midnight Dec. 1, 2026. Several significant issues remain unresolved as each side negotiates a new deal. While there is still considerable time — and a full season — to reach an agreement, the salary cap debate shows no signs of fading. The Dodgers’ aggressive spending solidified that.

The Daily Caller has reached out to Major League Baseball for comment.