The Los Angeles Dodgers, one of Major League Baseball’s most successful franchises, have long been known for their depth and flexibility in roster construction. The team’s ability to develop and cultivate talent within their organization is a testament to their successful farm system. As the 2024 MLB season approaches, the Dodgers’ outfield situation is one that is rich with talent, competition, and potential, thanks to the impressive internal options they have at their disposal.
1. Mookie Betts
Arguably one of the best players in baseball, Mookie Betts is the cornerstone of the Dodgers’ outfield. Acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Boston Red Sox in 2020, Betts has solidified himself as a future Hall of Famer. His combination of power, speed, defense, and leadership makes him one of the most complete players in the game. Although he is often used in right field, Betts has the versatility to play center field as well. His bat remains one of the most consistent in the league, capable of hitting for both average and power. In 2023, Betts finished the season with a .307 batting average, 39 home runs, and 107 RBIs, solidifying his role as the team’s offensive leader. His defense, especially in right field, is elite, and his speed allows him to cover vast amounts of ground. Betts also brings leadership to the locker room, providing a stabilizing presence for a team that aims for postseason contention year after year.
2. James Outman
James Outman, the Dodgers’ breakout star of 2023, is a key piece in the team’s future outfield plans. Outman’s combination of athleticism, power, and defensive ability makes him a strong candidate for an everyday spot in the outfield. After a stellar rookie season, where he posted 20 home runs, a .259 batting average, and 62 RBIs, Outman quickly established himself as a reliable player in the Dodgers’ lineup. His defense in center field is above average, with excellent range and an ability to cover significant ground. Outman’s power and ability to hit to all fields give him the potential to be an offensive cornerstone for the team. While his strikeouts and on-base percentage still need improvement, his potential for growth is high, and his spot in the outfield seems secure as the Dodgers continue to develop him.
3. Trace Thompson
Trace Thompson, a veteran of the Dodgers’ outfield, has had a rollercoaster career but has been a reliable option for the team when healthy. Thompson’s journey in MLB has been marked by a few seasons of success, including a notable 2022 campaign in which he contributed 13 home runs and a .268 batting average in limited action. His 2023 season was marred by injury and inconsistency, but he still provides solid depth in the outfield. Thompson is a natural center fielder but is most often used in the corners due to his defensive versatility. His power is his primary asset, and he can provide some much-needed right-handed pop in the Dodgers’ lineup. While his bat can be streaky, Thompson offers value as a depth piece and a backup plan in case of injury to other starters.
4. Chris Taylor
Chris Taylor is one of the most versatile players on the Dodgers’ roster, capable of playing multiple positions around the diamond, including the outfield. Taylor’s value comes not only from his ability to fill in across the field but also from his offensive production. Over the years, Taylor has provided clutch hits, solid on-base skills, and power, although his numbers have fluctuated. In 2023, he posted a .237 batting average with 11 home runs and 47 RBIs, but his value was enhanced by his ability to contribute in various roles. In the outfield, Taylor is a steady presence who can play all three spots and offers solid defense, especially in center field. While he may not have the offensive firepower of a Betts or Outman, his versatility makes him a key piece in the Dodgers’ outfield rotation.
5. David Peralta
David Peralta, a veteran left-handed bat, was added to the Dodgers in 2023 to provide stability and experience in the outfield. A former All-Star, Peralta is known for his ability to hit for average and his solid defensive skills. He primarily plays in left field but can also play in right field when needed. Over the course of his career, Peralta has been a reliable contact hitter, posting a .261 batting average in 2023. While he may not have the same power as other outfielders, his consistency and ability to make contact are valuable assets. Peralta’s veteran presence is an important piece of the Dodgers’ outfield mix, providing both leadership and stability.
6. Miguel Vargas
Though primarily an infielder, Miguel Vargas is another potential option for the outfield. In 2023, Vargas spent a portion of the season in the outfield to give the Dodgers additional flexibility with their roster. A top prospect in the Dodgers’ system, Vargas has shown impressive hitting ability with the bat, posting solid power and an advanced approach at the plate. While he may not have the ideal outfield range of some of the other options, his bat could make him a candidate for occasional spot starts in the outfield, particularly against left-handed pitchers. The Dodgers’ coaching staff will likely continue experimenting with Vargas in the outfield to maximize his versatility and contribute to a team that values position flexibility.
7. Jonny DeLuca
Jonny DeLuca is a young prospect who could emerge as a significant outfield option for the Dodgers. DeLuca had a strong 2023 in the minors, showcasing impressive power and solid defense in the outfield. As a right-handed hitter, DeLuca offers a different dynamic compared to some of the team’s left-handed options. His ability to hit for power, coupled with his good speed, gives him the tools to potentially carve out a role for himself in the MLB. While DeLuca may not be a regular starter in 2024, his development in the minors and his potential for a call-up during the season will keep him on the Dodgers’ radar.
8. Michael Busch
While Michael Busch is primarily a second baseman, he could eventually see time in the outfield due to his bat and the Dodgers’ need for positional flexibility. Busch’s strong performance in the minor leagues, including a powerful bat that generates a lot of extra-base hits, makes him an intriguing option for the future. If the Dodgers need to make room for him in the lineup, his transition to the outfield could be a viable option, especially in a platoon role. Like Vargas, Busch’s adaptability is an asset to the organization’s overall depth.
