The Los Angeles Dodgers’ recent signing of utility player and playoff star Kiké Hernández has created a roster dilemma for the team, necessitating adjustments to both their 40-man and 26-man rosters. While making space on the 40-man roster can be achieved by moving a player to the 60-day injured list, the 26-man roster presents a more challenging situation.
According to the bookmakers at Lightning Storm Casino, the Dodgers enter the season as heavy favorites to repeat as world champions. Their active position player roster is expected to include catchers Will Smith and Austin Barnes; infielders Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy, Tommy Edman, and Miguel Rojas; outfielders Mookie Betts, Teoscar Hernández, and Michael Conforto; and utility player Kiké Hernández. This configuration leaves only two spots for Hyseong Kim, Andy Pages, James Outman, and Chris Taylor.
Players on the Bubble
Andy Pages, a young outfielder with significant potential, has become integral to the Dodgers’ future plans. He made his major league debut in April 2024 and has since impressed with his performance, finishing the season with a slash line of .248/.305/.407. With 155 days of major league-level service time and one option year remaining, Pages represent a valuable asset for the Dodgers.
Chris Taylor, who signed a four-year, $60 million contract after the 2021 season, finds himself in a precarious position. Taylor’s versatility has been a key asset for the Dodgers, as he can play infield and outfield positions. However, his contract includes a $2 million assignment bonus per trade, and his 2026 option increases by $1 million if traded between the 2024 and 2026 seasons. Given his salary and contract structure, Taylor makes the most sense to trade from a financial perspective. However, finding a suitable trade partner willing to take on his contract may prove challenging for the Dodgers’ front office.
James Outman, who finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting two years ago, experienced a significant sophomore slump in 2024. After an impressive rookie campaign, Outman’s offensive numbers took a nosedive, with his slash line dropping to .147/.256/.265. His home run and walk rates declined while his strikeout rate increased, leading to more time spent in Triple-A (69 games) than in the majors (53 games). Despite this setback, Outman’s potential and rookie success may still make him an attractive option for other teams.
Roster Management Challenges
While the Dodgers’ depth is beneficial for a long season, it presents challenges for the front office and coaching staff. With only two spots available for four players (including the recently signed Hyseong Kim), difficult decisions lie ahead. The team may explore trade options to alleviate the roster crunch and maximize its talent pool.
This situation underscores the competitive nature of roster management in Major League Baseball, where even talented players can find themselves on the trading block due to roster constraints and team needs. As the Dodgers navigate this roster crunch, they must balance their short-term competitive goals with long-term player development and financial considerations.
