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Over the past three seasons the Dodgers have largely dealt with a juggling act in their outfield. That hasn’t changed heading into 2016, however roles could become more clear-cut than perhaps they’ve been once the club reaches full health.
Coming off a bounce-back season in which he batted .294/.366/.486 with 14 home runs, 20 doubles, 53 RBIs, had a .366 wOBA and 137 wRC+ over 142 games, Ethier was expected to be the Dodgers starting left fielder.
That was going to move Carl Crawford to a role of the bench, which he naturally didn’t prefer but was understanding of the situation.
When healthy, Crawford started in left field more times than not under former Dodgers manager Don Mattingly.
Ethier is owed $18 million this season, $17.5 million in 2017, and his contract includes $17.5 million club option in 2018 with a $2.5 million buyout. He will earn the right to veto a trade by reaching 10 years of Major-League service time, including the last five with the Dodgers, on April 21.
Although Ethier is coming off a strong season, he isn’t rated among the top left fielders. Justin Upton, now with the Detroit Tigers, headlines the group:
CONTINUE READING: Top rated center fielders
