Dodgers 2025 spring training position preview: outfielders
Dodgers pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report for spring training on Feb. 10. As we count down the days until camp begins, we are going through the various position groups to give a breakdown of where the roster stands. Today, we look at the outfielders. Previously, the catchers.
2024 RECAP
Signed to a one-year contract after getting an unsatisfying response on the free agent market last winter, Teoscar Hernandez made good on his bet on himself. He emerged as a key piece of the Dodgers’ lineup, making the All-Star team, winning a Silver Slugger award – and winning the Home Run Derby – all while becoming a fan favorite and positive clubhouse presence. Hernandez finished second on the team to Shohei Ohtani in home runs (33), RBIs (99) and slugging percentage (.501). Hernandez’s steady production was unique in the Dodgers’ outfield. The decision to move Mookie Betts to the infield deprived the group of its best performer – offensively and defensively – until he returned to the outfield in August. Young outfielders Andy Pages and James Outman were inconsistent performers. Acquired at the trade deadline, Tommy Edman stepped into an everyday role in the outfield and earned the NLCS MVP award with 11 RBIs in six games against the New York Mets.
HOW IT LOOKS RIGHT NOW
Re-signing Hernandez might have been the most important move of the offseason among position players. He returns to the middle of the Dodgers’ lineup and will fill the void in right field left by the Dodgers’ decision, once again, to move their best outfielder (Betts) to the infield. This year’s one-year free agent signing was Michael Conforto, who will be the primary left fielder. Conforto hit .238 with a .740 OPS and 35 home runs over the past two seasons with the San Francisco Giants. Pages and Chris Taylor are candidates to become a platoon partner with Conforto in left field. Edman is expected to be the primary center fielder though his positional versatility would be blunted by planting him in just one position.
THE NEXT LAYER
Outman finished third in the National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2023 but regressed last season and spent most of the year in Triple-A. Dalton Rushing is the top prospect in the system and the Dodgers exposed the catcher to left field last year in Triple-A. If Rushing shows competence in the outfield, he could hit his way into the picture at some point this season.
MOVES THEY COULD MAKE
The Dodgers have never hesitated to add a last-minute free agent if they perceive it is a bargain. Look at David Peralta two years ago and Kiké Hernandez last spring. Adding to the outfield mix is certainly a possibility.