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.
