While the Los Angeles Dodgers have been connected to free agents Kenley Jansen and Justin Turner, and potential trades to fill the voids if neither are re-signed, the club has also been mentioned in trade speculation involving outfielders.
Some of it can presumably be a result of the Dodgers leaving no stone unturned. That may have been the case when Los Angeles was included in the group of teams to express interest in Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star center fielder Andrew McCutchen.
Prior to that the Dodgers were said to have interest in Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez, and more recently, Kansas City Royals outfielder Lorenzo Cain.
While there’s been consistent speculation, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman downplayed the possibility of acquiring an outfielder, according to ESPN’s Doug Padilla:
“It’s hard to imagine bringing in an outfielder and not have an outfielder (on the current roster) be a part of something,” president of baseball ops Andrew Friedman said. “But sometimes timing doesn’t line up perfectly either. It’s not something we’re intensely focused on.”
The only changes thus far in the outfield picture from 2016 was trading Howie Kendrick to the Philadelphia Phillies, and Josh Reddick departing via free agency to sign a four-year, $52 million contract with the Houston Astros.
The Dodgers reportedly remain open to trading Yasiel Puig, but while addressing the media at the Winter Meetings manager Dave Roberts said he doesn’t anticipate the 26-year-old being moved.
Where the Dodgers would stand to gain in a change among their outfielders is by adding a right-handed slugger to the lineup to combat left-handed pitching. The likes of Ryan Braun, Cain, Martinez and McCutchen fit that mold.
But beyond potentially juggling a crowded group of outfielders, the Dodgers must also weigh the financial aspect, particularly under the new collective bargaining agreement. Plus, the club has Trayce Thompson and Scott Van Slyke coming off season-ending injuries, and Kiké Hernandez looking to rebound from a down year.
