What will Dodgers' plans be for Dave Roberts' 2 unresolved positions?

Despite most of the Dodgers' roster looking set thanks to multiple three, five, and 10+ year contracts, there are a couple of potentially interesting position battles going on in spring training. The bullpen, which will be without Michael Kopech and Evan Phillips at the start of the season, could be filled by any number of Dodgers prospects or maybe non-roster invitees, and the last two spots on the bench are currently being (uncompetitively) duked out for by Chris Taylor, Hyeseong Kim, James Outman, and Andy Pages.

The bench question is the more pressing of the two. Last year, the Dodgers were unbothered by employing a revolving door of prospects and other Triple-A relievers, but the bench bats need to be able to, at least kind of, keep up with the rest of the LA's superstar lineup.

Dave Roberts identified two positions that are still open — second base and center field — which could intensify the competition between those four. It also raises questions about the Dodgers' plan for Tommy Edman, who we should expect to see almost every day.

Dave Roberts says Dodgers' everyday second baseman and center fielder are still undecided

During the offseason, after Mookie Betts' move back to shortstop, the Dodgers said that they intended for Edman to get most of his starts in center field while jumping pretty much anywhere else as necessary. However, with Kim — who initially seemed to be the obvious heir apparent for second base after Gavin Lux was traded — still floundering at the plate in spring training, Edman could be posted up there until Kim gets his sea legs in the minors.

As for center field, Taylor, Outman, and Pages all have experience there, but Taylor is owed the most money, Outman hasn't hit well in over a year, and Pages already looks like a better corner outfielder despite taking fewer turns there in 2024. Going with Taylor, a utility player, could also give the Dodgers some more flexibility with their lineups — if they can get around how ineffective his bat has been.

If Kim starts the season in the minors, that gives two of Taylor, Outman, and Pages those last spots on the bench, and Taylor and Pages currently feel like the most likely candidates to earn the roles. However, it feels likely that both would either platoon or just play backup to Kiké Hernández, who is also prized for his versatility and has spent more time in center than anywhere else throughout his career.

Kim not being able to hack it isn't great, but isn't altogether surprising, and a carousel of Hernández/Taylor/Pages in center isn't the worst thing in the world, even if the offense might leave a lot to be desired. At least it'd be a way for Pages to crack the roster after a promising rookie season last year.