Dodgers free agent signings push key youngsters out of roles for 2025

With the Los Angeles Dodgers re-signing Teoscar Hernández to a three-year deal, the outfield appears to be set entering the 2025 season. Earlier in the month, they lured away Michael Conforto from their National League West rival to help form a platoon with Chris Taylor for the other corner outfield spot. Tommy Edman, the super utility player and NLCS MVP, will get the primary playing time in center field.

The extra spot in the outfield was created with a more permanent move for Mookie Betts to shortstop. Betts was deployed there out of necessity when Gavin Lux's throwing issues came to a head again, and he held his own decently until suffering a wrist fracture in June. He should have a full offseason to prepare for the change, but it should not be viewed as a long-term solution at the position.

With those four players set to get most of the playing time in the outfield, it leaves a couple of youngsters on the outside looking in. James Outman and Andy Pages, both homegrown talents, are facing the possibility of a wasted year in Triple-A as mostly depth in case of injuries. Both players are on their final minor-league option entering the 2025 season, so there will be an inevitable roster crunch forthcoming.

Could the Dodgers trade a young outfielder to fortify their farm system?

Following the same playbook as trading Michael Busch to the Chicago Cubs, the Dodgers don't necessarily require more depth on their 40-man roster, but could strengthen their club in some other way. Strengthening their farm system to stay competitive once the star players on the roster age out and hit the open market again remains crucial, despite success and star power at the big-league level.

Last offseason, they traded Busch to Chicago for prospects Zyhir Hope and Jackson Ferris. Hope and Ferris went on to have solid seasons in the Dodgers' minor league system in 2024, and have improved their stock in the organization.

By putting Outman or Pages on the trade block, the Dodgers could add more pitching depth and seek a longer-term solution at shortstop. Outman has five years left of control while Pages has all six, with four arbitration-eligible seasons. Given their playing time at the major league level is going to be sparse in 2025, this would be a good time to deal one away and keep the other for depth.

There are merits for keeping each player. Outman posted a strong 2023 campaign in which he finished third in the National League Rookie of the Year race, and is the better defensive option to play center field. Pages offers a less volatile hitting profile, with fewer strikeouts and a natural internal replacement for the Conforto/Taylor platoon in right field for 2026 and beyond.

A team like the Houston Astros, who could use an upgrade in center field from the glove-first Jake Meyers, makes a lot of sense. They could target Brice Matthews and Alonzo Tredwell in a hypothetical deal involving Outman.