3 bold roster moves the Dodgers need to make before NLDS

2. Give James Outman an NLDS roster spot

Just because James Outman is not currently on the active roster doesn’t mean the Dodgers won’t include him on the playoff roster. The Dodgers have promoted players to the playoff roster that were in AAA before, and if there’s anyone who has earned it, it’s Outman.

To qualify for the postseason roster someone just needs to be on the 40-man roster (or 60-day IL) on August 31. Despite not being in the big leagues, Outman was on the 40-man roster and has been tearing it up in Oklahoma City.

Outman has had an incredible season at the plate, and with several Dodgers cooling down in the month of September, it wouldn’t be a bad thing to bring in Outman’s red-hot bat. The left-handed outfielder is slashing .287/.374/.553 with six home runs and 15 RBI in 24 September games.

This is more than just a hot streak for Outman, who not only hit for two cycles this season, but was an absolute stud at the plate from start to finish. In 125 games split between AA and AAA, Outman hit .294 with a .978 OPS, 31 home runs and 106 RBI. In his four MLB games, he went 6-13 with two walks, a home run and two doubles.

Certain players (like Kimbrel) that are currently on the active roster are ultimately not going to make the playoff roster, which will make room for someone like Outman. At this point, you could make the case that Outman is a better option than Cody Bellinger or Joey Gallo. Not sure how you keep him off the roster.