Dodgers rumors: LA interested in Japanese slugger Yoshitomo Tsutsugo

The Dodgers are looking for ways to improve their offense and the team has been linked to Japanese slugger Yoshitomo Tsutsugo.

The Dodgers are looking for ways to upgrade their offense with Josh Donaldson one possible option that is left on the free-agent market.  The Dodgers also reportedly have interest in Japanese outfielder Yoshitomo Tsutsugo.  He has a swing that is very similar to a cross between Joc Pederson and Bryce Harper.

Much like Harper and Joc, Tsutsugo is a slugger as he has hit 139 home runs over the last four seasons with the Yokohoma DeNa BayStars.  Tsutsugo is twenty-eight years old and is a left fielder.  Last season in Japan, he slugged 29 home runs.  The one issue with him is that he is strikeout prone.  Yoshitomo Tsutsugo struck out in 25% of his at-bats last season.

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Given his strikeout concerns, Tsutsugo profiles very similar to what Joc Pederson has been for the Dodgers.  With Joc Pederson rumored to be on the trade block and in his final season before free agency, this could be a way for the Dodgers to replace Joc if they trade him away for prospects or a piece that could help next season.

Aside from Joc the Dodgers still have Edwin Rios and DJ Peters who are looking to leave their imprint on the team in 2020.  Kiké Hernandez is another young player who could find his roster spot in peril if the Dodgers add another outfielder to the team for next season.  The team has been rumored to be shopping him around.

One good thing about Tsutsugo is that despite his high strikeout rate, he posted an on-base percentage of at least .388 over the last four seasons.  Since Yoshitomo was posted on November 18th, he has until December 19th to come to terms with a Major League club. So if the Dodgers are going to land him they have less than a week to do so.

The Dodgers have had lots of success bringing over pitchers from the NPB but they have not brought over many position players.  This would be an interesting flier for the Dodgers who do not need another outfielder and signing Tsutsugo would likely be a precursor to another trade if he is signed by the team.