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3 free agent outfielders the Dodgers need to target
The Los Angeles Dodgers have one player at the top of their wishlist in free agency, and that is obviously Shohei Ohtani. While signing the best player in the entire sport would be amazing, the Dodgers would still have holes to fill in order to make it back to the World Series.
Last season, there were five players who played regularly in the outfield: Mookie Betts, Jason Heyward, James Outman, Chris Taylor, and David Peralta. Out of those players, Heyward recently signed a one-year deal to return next year, but Peralta is currently a free agent. For the Dodgers to have a stable rotation of five proven outfielders again, they’ll have to look at free agency for answers.
The option to look internally is always there, as they could give regular gametime to the organization's sixth overall prospect (per MLB Pipeline), Andy Pages. But Pages missed significant time last season, and likely would need a cataclysmic spring training to be elevated. Instead, there are some free agents in an admittedly thin class that could really help the Dodgers outfield in 2024.
3 outfielders Dodgers should sign in 2023-24 MLB free agency class
Tommy Pham
It has been reported that Tommy Pham had been keen on joining the Dodgers last season, but that move never came to light. Instead, Pham helped the Arizona Diamondbacks in their incredible postseason run that saw them make the World Series.
While Pham is a rather polarizing player, he could be exactly what the Dodgers need. It can be underestimated what a player like Pham can bring to the table.
The two superstars, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, are amazing on the field and well-loved off the field. A presence like Pham, who, in the eyes of many baseball fans, is seen as a villain, could help light a fire under the Dodgers in times of need. For instance, it would have been nice to have Pham instead of playing against him when it seemed the entire team disappeared in the NLDS.
During his playoff run with the Diamondbacks, Pham slashed .279/.297/.475. Before that, he was last in the postseason in 2020 with the San Diego Padres, and in six games, his slash line looked even better at .375/.400/.458. The Dodgers need someone who can not only perform but also motivate others to do the same when it matters most. If Pham is still interested in coming to Los Angeles, the Dodgers should do what they can to make it happen.
Randal Grichuk
Another player who could add valuable depth to the outfield is Randal Grichuk. The former first-round pick could be signed at a low cost while being a solid platoon player. Last season, Grichuk spent time in the NL West with the Colorado Rockies before being traded to the Los Angeles Angels, where he was later waived.
He played a total of 118 games last season for the two clubs, where he posted his best OBP of his career at .321. His OPS was also .779, which is the best it has been in a season since 2020 with the Toronto Blue Jays.
This is a player who is capable of hitting 20-30 home runs a season as an everyday player with above average arm strength in the field. The Dodgers were able to find value in the now 36-year-old David Peralta and 34-year-old Jason Heyward, so why not see what 32-year-old Randal Grichuk has left in the tank?
Whit Merrifield
Another player in his mid-thirties who could make a difference is Whit Merrifield. After his full season in Toronto, Merrifield is now a free agent and can be a great addition to whatever team he decides to join next.
There are two incredibly valuable aspects of Merrifield’s game that would benefit the Dodgers. The first is his positional flexibility. Last season, Merrifield played 81 games in left field and 84 at second base. We know Dave Roberts has no problem putting Mookie Betts at second base or shortstop, so what's better than one outfielder playing second base? Two, of course!
The next thing that Merrifield has is speed, which manifests in his ability to steal bases. Outside of James Outman, there wasn’t a lot of speed on the roster last season. Outman was only able to steal 16 bags last season, which is seven less than Freddie Freeman, who isn’t exactly known for his speed. On the other hand, Merrifield is ranked in the 85th percentile of sprint speed and the 80th percentile of baserunning value, according to Baseball Savant.
Positional flexibility and baserunning ability are amazing assets that the Dodgers currently lack, especially if Kiké Hernández does not return. Merrifield fills both those holes and would be incredibly valuable to them in 2024.
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