3 free agent outfielders the Dodgers need to target

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.