The middle of January usually feels like a baseball desert. You’re basically just staring at your calendar, counting the minutes until pitchers and catchers report to Florida and Arizona. But honestly? Last night was different. If you were looking for baseball last night scores hoping to find some winter league box scores from the Dominican or maybe an Australian Baseball League update, you probably got slapped in the face by some of the biggest contract news in the history of the sport.
The Dodgers did it again. Seriously.
While the actual "scores" on the field are limited to the Caribbean Series prep and some prospect showcases, the scoreboard that matters right now is the one with dollar signs on it. Friday night turned into a literal arms race, and by the time the West Coast went to bed, the landscape of the 2026 season had shifted entirely.
The $240 Million Dollar Score: Kyle Tucker is a Dodger
Let's get the big one out of the way. If we’re talking about "winning" the night, the Los Angeles Dodgers just hung a crooked number on the rest of the league. News broke late Friday that Kyle Tucker, the crown jewel of this year's free-agent class, has agreed to a massive four-year, $240 million deal to head to Chavez Ravine.
It’s kind of absurd when you think about it. The Dodgers are coming off back-to-back World Series titles—having just taken down the Blue Jays in a wild seven-game thriller last November—and their response is to add one of the most consistent left-handed bats in the game.
- The Deal: 4 years, $240 million.
- The Impact: Tucker joins a lineup that already features Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts.
- The Strategy: It’s a high-AAV (Average Annual Value) play that keeps the Dodgers' window open while they wait for their next wave of pitching prospects to mature.
The rumors were swirling all week that the Mets were the favorites, but Andrew Friedman swooped in at the eleventh hour. For Mets fans, seeing that "score" on their social media feeds last night had to feel like a walk-off loss in the bottom of the ninth.
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Bo Bichette and the Mets' Quick Pivot
Speaking of the Mets, they didn't just sit there and cry about losing the Tucker sweepstakes. In fact, within hours of the Tucker news, Steve Cohen’s front office finalized a deal with Bo Bichette.
The score for this one? Three years, $126 million.
It’s an interesting move. Bichette is expected to slide over to third base or potentially move around the infield, given the Mets' current roster construction. It’s a classic "Plan B" that actually looks more like a "Plan A-Minus" when you look at the metrics. Bichette had a rough patch with injuries in Toronto last year, but the Mets are betting $42 million a year that a change of scenery—and a massive paycheck—will return him to his All-Star form.
Winter League and International Signings
If you actually wanted literal game scores from January 16, 2026, the action was happening in the Caribbean and the Pacific.
In the LIDOM (Dominican Professional Baseball League), the playoffs are reaching a fever pitch. We saw the Águilas and Toros battling it out in a game that felt more like October than January. These games are where the real "baseball last night scores" come from this time of year, and the intensity is honestly unmatched.
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Meanwhile, over in the Australian Baseball League (ABL), the Perth Heat and Adelaide Giants continued their rivalry. It’s a weird vibe watching baseball at 3:00 AM Eastern Time, but for those of us with a genuine addiction to the sport, it's the only fix we've got until Spring Training games start on February 20.
International Signing Day Chaos
Yesterday also marked the opening of the 2026 international signing period. This is where the "scores" are measured in scouting grades.
- Luis Hernandez (Shortstop, Giants): The top-rated prospect signed for a cool $5 million. This kid is 17 and already has a swing that looks like it belongs in Double-A.
- Emanuel Luna (Outfield, Cardinals): St. Louis landed their first Top 10 international prospect in over a decade.
- The Pipeline: We’re seeing more teenagers than ever skipping the Summer Leagues and heading straight to Arizona or Florida complexes.
Why These "Scores" Actually Matter for Your Fantasy Draft
I know what you're thinking. "It's January. Why do I care about a shortstop signing in Venezuela or Kyle Tucker getting paid?"
You care because the betting odds for the 2026 World Series just cratered. The Dodgers were already favorites, but after last night, they’re basically the house. If you're a betting person, the value shifted away from LA and toward teams like the Orioles or the Braves, who are now officially the "underdogs" despite winning 90+ games annually.
Also, the Alex Bregman signing with the Cubs (5 years, $175 million) earlier this week combined with last night’s flurry means the National League Central is suddenly the most expensive division in baseball. The Cubs are going all-in, and the Cardinals are responding by hoarding international talent.
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What’s Next?
We aren't done. Not even close.
Framber Valdez is still out there. The Orioles and Mets are reportedly in a bidding war for his services. If last night was any indication, that "score" is going to be well north of $150 million.
The real takeaway from baseball last night scores isn't just a list of numbers. It's the realization that the "Offseason" is a lie. The game is being played in boardrooms, in high-end sushi restaurants in LA, and on dirt fields in Santo Domingo.
Actionable Insights for the Week Ahead
- Watch the Waiver Wire: If you're in a dynasty league, keep an eye on the international signings. Luis Hernandez is the name to grab before your leaguemates wake up.
- Adjust Your Expectations: The Dodgers are now a "super-team" in the truest sense. If you're drafting early, Ohtani and Tucker back-to-back in a lineup is a nightmare for opposing pitchers' ERA.
- Check the Calendar: Spring Training is exactly 34 days away. The first televised exhibition games (Yankees vs. Orioles) happen on February 20.
The stove isn't just hot; it's melting. Keep your notifications on, because in 2026, the biggest scores are being settled before the first pitch is even thrown.