Dodgers: Options to Fill the Dodgers’ Left Field Hole

The Dodgers will be fielding pretty much the same team as 2017 which means there will not be, health permitting, any significant holes to fill. The one spot in the field that needs clarity is left field.

In 2017, the Dodgers’ left fielders were like a revolving door, constantly shuffling through different players, save for a brief stint where Chris Taylor was the primary starter before moving to center. Every other position is pretty much set, except for left field and second base. But second base has quality options available in Chris Taylor and Logan Forsythe. It just depends on where LA wants to place Taylor.

With Forsythe coming back for one more year, it seems as if Chris Taylor may be sticking in center field for the time being. But with Alex Verdugo waiting in the wings, the front office may choose to move Taylor back to second and use Forsythe as an expensive backup at second and third.

This is assuming Chase Utley does not return, which at this point, if he does, it should be as a coach. But if Forsythe and Taylor man their respective positions, that leaves left field, easily the team’s weakest spot in the lineup.

We saw Curtis Granderson, Kike Hernandez, Joc Pederson, Trayce Thompson, Joc Pederson, Andrew Toles, Franklin Gutierrez, Brett Eibner and Chirs Taylor at some point in time there. Whether it be injury or ineffectiveness (except for Taylor), there wasn’t much production from the spot.

With the off-season upon us, the Dodgers should be looking to make a move to bring in a player to solidify the position.

Marcell Ozuna, Miami Marlins

Whenever the Dodgers and Marlins are put in the same sentence, everyone’s mind will immediately jump to Giancarlo Stanton and rightfully so. He’s the reigning NL MVP who Miami is looking to unload because of his contract. And he’s from LA, grew up a Dodgers fan and his friends believe he wants a return home as well.

But if the Dodgers do not want to go all in for Stanton, they should look for Miami’s other big fish, Marcell Ozuna. Ozuna is coming off a breakout year where he hit .312/.376/.548 with 37 home runs, an elite 145 OPS+ and the National League Gold Glove in left field. And at 27 years of age, he is entering his prime.

He is entering his second year of arbitration and is under team control through 2019. He’s going to be looking for a raise these next two years, but it should be team-friendly, considering the money the Dodgers have coming off the books.

Probably the best thing about the two time All-Star is he is coming off a season that saw him play in all but three games. Since 2014, he’s played 153 games, 123 games, 148 games and 159 games. Save for 2015, he has not missed any significant time.

He might cost a hefty penny, but if the Marlins are looking into a firesale and full-scale rebuild, he could be acquired for cheaper. And with the depth the Dodgers have, they would not be able to give up their best young players when trading with a new ownership group looking to start from scratch. Ozuna may be the best option.

There was a time when Ryan Braun looked likely to head to Los Angeles. Now? Not so much. Never say never, but the combination of his age, contract, and diminishing skills make him an unneeded piece to the Dodgers 2018 World Series puzzle.

He was limited to 104 games but was solid in those games. But if you are going to pay a guy possibly $71 million through 2021, you want more than solid. And injuries are going to get more likely each year.

However, with a young team that almost made the playoffs last year, Milwaukee may want to clear some payroll for the future. Combine this with a glut of young and talented outfielders in the majors and minors, Braun may ultimately be the odd man out. And whenever a Braun trade is in discussion, Los Angeles will always be in the discussion.

Yoenis Cespedes

More from LA Dodgers News

• Kevin Kiermaier being ‘top target’ to replace Cody Bellinger is bad sign for Dodgers
• Giants laughably sign pitcher that Dodgers absolutely own
• Dave Roberts’ quote about Padres in NLDS should motivate Dodgers
• Former Astro seemingly takes uncalled for shot at Cody Bellinger after Cubs deal
• Dodgers’ 2023 lineup without Trea Turner isn’t as impressive as it should be

This is a move that would almost rival adding Stanton. Cespedes is one of the premier hitters in baseball and is under contract through 2020. However, he is 32 and due $87.5 million over the next three seasons. And he’s dealt with injuries the last two seasons and played just 81 games last year so that that is something to keep an eye on.

However, his bat is terrific and putting him in a lineup where he doesn’t have to carry a bunch of “okay” hitters may help relieve him of some pressure. The New York Mets stink and may be looking to move players in hopes of another quick reload.

And Cespedes may be the most valuable piece that they may be willing to move. Their ace pitchers are off the market for now, as is outfielder Michael Conforto. But Cespedes may be the missing bat for a championship team and would instantly boost a dangerous Los Angeles lineup.

Imagine Chris Taylor-Corey Seager-Justin Turner-Cody Bellinger-Yoenis Cespedes-Yasiel Puig. And he’d fit in seamlessly on defense. While he has played center field for the Mets over the past few seasons, his best position is left field. He’s a below average center fielder at best but terrific in left.

He won’t require the farm, but the Dodgers have the excess pieces to get the Mets to eat some of the contract. Even if you don’t like this move, remember, it’s just an idea.

Next: Cody Bellinger's 2017 Season grade

The Dodgers don’t have too many holes to fill but left field is one of the few. There are quality options available out there, and it’s up to the Dodgers to inquire about them. A move for one of these players is not a necessity but would be a massive boost to their World Series Aspirations.