Dodgers: Dear Farhan Zaidi, Outfield Options For Your Consideration

As General Manager Farhan Zaidi considers his options, some suggestions on the Dodgers 2018 outfield situation.

The Dodgers 2018 outfield could get older because of a new addition if LA’s GM starts taking my advice.

Since being called up in 2013, Yasiel Puig has, several times, shined like a supernova. He has also, on multiple occasions, been disenfranchised: offered up as trade bait, demoted to the minor leagues, left off playoff rosters, and benched.

The epitome of reliability, he is not. Puig may be the only Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder that’s a lock to start on Opening Day 2018. Other than Puig in right, the outfield represents an opportunity for roster improvement.

Center field may be open for competition among Joc Pederson and Andrew Toles. Utility-man Enrique Hernandez can play center field when called upon, as can NLCS Co-MVP Chris Taylor. Trayce Thompson, being out of options, is another center field option.

In left field, LA is so deep that much heralded “future gold-glove” first baseman, Cody Bellinger, could get a good share of starts out there again next year like he did this year. Aforementioned master of all, Chris Taylor, is also a perfectly fine left fielder.

With Yasiel Puig, Cody Bellinger, Joc Pederson, Chris Taylor, and Andrew Toles as its first five outfielders, an average team should feel that it has enough firepower for the upcoming season. The Dodgers are no average team.

Ideally, Bellinger plays more often at first base, and Taylor gets the opportunity to utilize his athleticism by playing more infield. Left field is where the Dodgers should consider investing some assets in a free agent.

The Dodgers may be looking for a bargain right now as a short-term interest. A veteran hitter who understands their role could be exactly what the Dodgers ordered regarding a left field acquisition. I isolated three unsigned free agents outfielders from MLB’s Free Agent Tracker that I thought Mr. Zaidi should consider for the Dodgers 2018 outfield. Let’s allow them to make their pitch to wear the blue.