Dodger BlueDodger BlueDodger Blue
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Font ResizerAa
Dodger BlueDodger Blue
Font ResizerAa
  • Dodgers News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
  • Team
  • Video
  • Odds
  • About
Search
  • Dodgers News
    • MLB News
  • Rumors
  • Schedules
    • 2025 Spring Training
    • 2025 Dodger Stadium giveaways
    • 2025 regular season
  • Team
    • Active roster
    • Salaries
  • Video
  • Odds
    • MLB Odds
    • NHL Odds
    • NFL Odds
    • NBA Odds
    • NCAAF Odds
    • NCAAB Odds
    • CFL Odds
    • UFC Odds
    • Boxing Odds
    • MLS Odds
    • PGA Odds
  • About
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Dodger Blue > Dodgers News > Dave Roberts: Chris Taylor Will Be Part Of Dodgers Center Field Mix
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dave Roberts: Chris Taylor Will Be Part Of Dodgers Center Field Mix

Blake Williams
February 21, 2023
4 Min Read
Chris Taylor, 2023 Spring Training
Rick Scuteri/USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

One of the biggest questions facing the Los Angeles Dodgers right now is who will be the primary center fielder.

Cody Bellinger had been the starter for the previous few seasons, but the Dodgers decided to non-tender him due to his struggles and he signed with the Chicago Cubs.

To replace him, it has been presumed their primary options competing for the position are Jason Heyward, Bradley Zimmer, James Outman, Chris Taylor and Trayce Thompson.

Of that group, it seemed Taylor may have been the odd man out due to his positional versatility to fill in at any other position. However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Taylor will be part of the mix in center field to begin the season, according to David Vassegh of SportsNet LA:

Dave Roberts said Chris Taylor will be part of #Dodgers CF equation to open the season.

— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) February 21, 2023

Taylor has played 1,360.1 career innings in center field, including 75.1 last season. In 118 games, the 32-year-old batted just .221/.304/.373 with 25 doubles, three triples, 10 home runs, 43 RBI and 10 stolen bases across 454 plate appearances.

After the disappointing year, he went to the data-driven Driveline Baseball facility to try to get back on track.

Taylor will likely see most of his starts there against left-handed pitching while Outman, Heyward and Zimmer compete to be his platoon partner against right-handed pitchers.

So far, Heyward has been impressive during camp and could be the favorite to share time with Taylor in center field, but Outman has the most upside of the group and may eventually take over as the full-time starter at the position.

But as always, things can change quickly, and just recently at FanFest Roberts was still undecided on who will get the majority of the reps there. “I don’t. I think your guys’ guess right now is as good as mine,” he said.

However, it seems there is some clarity now coming into the position, as well as in left field, where David Peralta will likely platoon with Trayce Thompson.

Freddie Freeman thinks Jason Heyward can contribute to Dodgers

Freddie Freeman was pushing for the Dodgers to sign Heyward before he agreed to a Minor League deal with the team.

The pair was selected by the Braves in the 2007 MLB Draft, and they played for the team from 2010-2014. Since Heyward signed with the Dodgers, he’s worked with their hitting coaches and accompanied Freeman during recent offseason workouts.

“I believe a lot,” Freeman answered when asked how much Heyward is capable of contributing to the Dodgers.

“I’ve known him since I was 16 years old. I know what’s in there, I know he’s got a lot to prove. He’s got a little chip on his shoulder. I know he wants to come in and compete for a job. I hit with him, and it’s a very nice sound coming off the bat. He looks really good.

“He made some adjustments in his swing, his hands are a lot more quiet, and I think he’s going to be able to get to the ball a lot easier. He just looks so relaxed and comfortable with the adjustments he made. I’m hoping for a big spring from him and he gets on our team.”

Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!

Total
2
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 2
Share 0
TAGGED:Bradley ZimmerChris TaylorJames OutmanJason HeywardLos Angeles DodgersTrayce Thompson
ByBlake Williams
Follow:
Blake Williams is a journalist from Reseda, Calif., who is currently the Managing Editor for Dodger Blue. He previously worked as a Managing Editor for Angels Nation, as a staff writer at Dodgers Nation, as the Managing Editor and Sports Editor for the Roundup News at L.A. Pierce College, and as an Opinion Editor for the Daily Sundial at California State University, Northridge. Blake graduated Cum Laude from CSUN with a major in journalism and a minor in photography/video. He is now pursuing his master's degree from the University of Alabama. Blake is also always open to talk Star Wars with you. Contact: Blake@mediumlargela.com
Ad imageAd image
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

You Might Also Like

Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner argues with umpire Rob Drake
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Justin Turner Wins Appeal, Won’t Serve 1-Game Suspension

September 8, 2019
September 8, 2019
Mookie Betts, Dodgers workout, Seoul Series
Dodgers NewsFeatured

Dodgers News: Mookie Betts Working With Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Trainer

March 18, 2024
March 18, 2024
World Series baseball
Dodgers News

2017 World Series: Astros, Dodgers Split On Whether Slick Baseballs Causing Home Run Epidemic

October 30, 2017
October 30, 2017
Dave-roberts-5
Dodgers News

Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Calls For ‘Unselfishness’ Within Starting Rotation

May 15, 2017
May 17, 2017

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?

  • 日本語
  • 한국어