The Dodgers' blockbuster contract signing of Tucker has sparked small-market team owners to push aggressively for a salary cap system.

Having just secured another World Series title, the Los Angeles Dodgers added former Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker in the offseason. Sources reveal that this signing has provoked strong discontent among multiple MLB owners, who intend to push relentlessly for a salary cap system during future labor talks to prevent powerhouse teams from disregarding luxury tax limits and persistently upgrading their squads.

According to insiders speaking to The Athletic, the Dodgers’ record-breaking 4-year, $240 million contract with Tucker has ignited fury among small-market team owners, especially since the team now holds the highest payroll in baseball history while achieving consecutive championships. The New York Mets, another big-market team, further fueled tensions by signing Bo Bichette for 3 years and $126 million. The insider noted that these two wealthy franchises are currently the main obstacles to implementing a salary cap.

Discussions about a salary cap have been ongoing for over a year, and several industry insiders believe Tucker’s signing will motivate more owners to take action. Two anonymous executives expressed a more moderate view, stating that Tucker’s contract confirms their belief that MLB’s current revenue sharing and payroll disparity system must be reformed.

The championship-winning Dodgers are expected to surpass a $400 million team payroll in the 2026 season. Across the league, only three teams have payrolls exceeding $300 million, while the Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays have team salaries below $100 million, highlighting a stark disparity.

Specific proposals regarding salary caps and floors remain under discussion and are expected to be a key topic at next month’s routine owners’ meeting. The salary floor may cause controversy among some small-market teams who believe there is still room for revenue growth under the current system; however, introducing a salary cap could instantly raise the overall valuation of all 30 teams in the league. While internal discussions among owners about a salary cap usually face little resistance, players have historically launched prolonged strikes to oppose such caps, which could be the primary barrier to implementing this system.