Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — As we get to centerfield, we arrive at what is arguably the weakest spot in the projected starting lineup, or at least the spot where the projected starter has the least experience. In James Outman, the Dodgers have a lot of potential, but that potential was only realized in fits and starts last season in his rookie year. But if Outman should falter, there are a number of options that the Dodgers might use as the season progresses. Let’s take a look.
James Outman (two years MLB experience, all with LAD)
So it’s the second season in center for Outman, who turned out to be one of the most pleasant surprises of 2023. In the wake of Cody Bellinger’s exit, there was a big gaping hole in the Dodgers’ lineup. However, given the horrible season that Bellinger had in 2022 (.654 OPS), almost anything would have been an upgrade. Outman more than fit the bill. He put together a solid, if inconsistent season, and in fact garner a good deal of support in the Rookie of the Year voting at season’s end, finishing third behind Corbin Carroll and Koda Senga.
“It’s still the same game. The focus is just a little different,” Outman said recently of his approach to his second season. “Now I’m trying to fine-tune, get better as opposed to ‘I need to play well to make a team.’ Other than that it’s the same game. I’m treating it the same way. Trying to. Just putting the attention in different areas.”
At the forefront of Outman’s game is his bat. In his rookie campaign, he showed a good deal of pop (23 dingers) and good speed on the basepaths. The one thing he needs to improve going forward is his plate discipline and contact rate. His 181 strikeouts were the highest on the team by far. That’s getting up there into Kyle Schwarber territory. He really needs to clean that up in 2024.
“I think if every player had the answer to consistency they would tap into that,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Outman’s hot-and-cold offense. “Yeah, there’s some swing-and-miss in there. But I think even when he was struggling he was still getting on base. So, for me, that’s what we need from him. And the defense didn’t waver even at times when he was struggling offensively.”
In addition, I’d like to see continued improvement in center out of the guy. We all remember Game 1 of the Diamondback series as the game in which Kershaw couldn’t make it out of the first inning, but let’s not forget that the inning began with Outman dropping a very catchable ball in what could have been the first out of the inning. Things spiraled out of control after that, but who knows what would have happened if Outman made that catch. But to be honest, Outman did show a steady improvement in center during the year, and he ended the season with a stellar +9 in StatCast’s Outs Above Average stat. So while the defense is not Bellinger-esque out there, there is reason to think that he will turn out to be an better-than-average defender.
| Season | Team | Level | G | PA | HR | AVG | OBP | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ | WAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | LAD | MLB | 151 | 567 | 23 | .248 | .353 | .437 | .344 | 118 | 4.4 |
| 2024 | FGDC | PROJ | 122 | 525 | 20 | .237 | .330 | .428 | .329 | 108 | 2.6 |
Outman looks to be the main centerfielder this season, but if he hits the sophomore skids, Dave Roberts has a few options available to him.
Kiké Hernández (10 years MLB experience, 7 with LAD)
Kiké has always been a fan favorite at the Ravine, which explains the social media celebration when he unexpectedly re-signed with the team a few weeks ago. I wasn’t necessarily among that group of celebrants, but I’m hopeful that a full season in Dodger blue will re-invigorate this uber-utility player. He played a good deal of centerfield when he was with the Red Sox, so he’s more than capable of handling the position. And, if Outman stuggles against lefties, I could see a platoon situation developing with Kiké and Chris Taylor handling center when a southpaw is on the mound. However, that’s not where Dave Roberts’s head is at going into the season. We’ll see.
| SEASON | TEAM | LEVEL | G | PA | HR | AVG | OBP | SLG | WOBA | WRC+ | WAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | – – – | MLB | 140 | 508 | 11 | .237 | .289 | .357 | .282 | 72 | -1.3 |
| 2024 | FGDC | PROJ | 79 | 343 | 9 | .235 | .300 | .384 | .298 | 87 | 0.5 |
Jason Heyward (14 years MLB experience, one with LAD)
Jason Heyward was a great story last year. He’s the sweetest guy, reunited with his old buddy from Atlanta Freddie Freeman, and he turned in one of the best seasons of his career. No, he didn’t turn out to be a perrenial All-Star as was expected when he broke into the show as a teenager. But, you couldn’t help but smile at this late-career resurgence in a limited role with the Dodgers. Now, the question is.. can this success be replicated in 2024. With Mookie moving to the infield, Heyward is more likely to get most of his reps in right field this year, but he might end up in center a time or two when a right hander is one the mound. He’s still got that great glove, so no matter what, you can feel comfortable with J. Hey as a defender. I have my doubts as to whether or not Heyward has a repeat of 2023 at the plate, but we can hope. At the very least, his presence in the clubhouse is a net positive for the team.
| Season | Team | Level | G | PA | HR | AVG | OBP | SLG | wOBA | wRC+ | WAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | LAD | MLB | 124 | 377 | 15 | .269 | .340 | .473 | .348 | 121 | 2.2 |
| 2024 | FGDC | PROJ | 91 | 392 | 12 | .248 | .320 | .410 | .317 | 100 | 1.1 |
Other options…
Beyond these three guys, and the occasional foray into center from Chris Taylor, there are a couple of non-roster guys who might see action in case of an injury. Drew Avans has been with the organization for a while and is looking great in Arizona. He’d probably be the first call-up if the team needs an outfielder. In addition, Jose Ramos has been solid this spring. Hopefully, Outman continues to improve, and all will be well in center.
DODGERSBEAT RATING: B-
