Perhaps the biggest surprise for the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 2016 season was the emergence of outfielder Andrew Toles. He tore through three Minor League levels, made his MLB debut, and wound up leading off some games in the postseason.
In his breakout rookie season, Toles hit .314/.365/.505 with nine doubles, one triple and three home runs over 115 plate appearances. He accumulated 1.4 WAR (Baseball-Reference) for his efforts and played solid defense at all three outfield positions.
He went into the 2017 season as the team’s starting left fielder but saw his year cut short due to a torn ACL suffered May 9 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Toles batted .271/.314/.458 with three doubles, five home runs and 15 RBIs in just 102 plate appearances.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was complimentary of Toles while speaking with reporters at the Winter Meetings, and while he would not name him his starting left fielder, Roberts said he expects Toles to be a factor.
“In a smaller sample two years ago, really played well on both sides of the baseball,” Roberts said. “So we expect him to be fully recovered going into Spring Training and to compete.
“It’s not fair for us to essentially — outside of Yasiel (Puig), Chris Taylor, who still has the ability to play in the infield and the outfield, dedicate 500 (plate appearances) or call [Toles] an everyday player. So I think we still have to see a little bit more. But the skill set, a lot to like from Andrew.”
Toles has come a long way in his recovery from ACL surgery and recently said his knee is feeling great and predicted he would be ready for the start of Spring Training.
Barring any trades or signings this offseason, the Dodgers outfield currently figures to be Yasiel Puig in right and Chris Taylor in center.
That leaves Toles competing with Joc Pederson and Alex Verdugo for the final starting spot, although Kiké Hernandez will figure into the mix against left-handed pitching and Cody Bellinger could also see some time in the outfield if Adrian Gonzalez warrants a starting job at first base.
Regardless of if he’s the Opening Day starter or not, if Toles is healthy then he should make a big impact for the team next season.
