With the MLB trade deadline closing in rather quickly, we're sure to continue to hear more about prospective trade candidates the Los Angeles Dodgers could pursue.
We've already heard about starting pitchers that could be a fit. In the field, the common sentiment has been that the team could pursue a middle infielder in the continued absence of Mookie Betts. However, with Jason Heyward hitting the IL and James Outman being recalled, there's a chance the team doesn't feel the need to chase after a bat in quite so urgent a fashion.
It's already been proposed that rather than going after a middle infielder, the team might be better-served to acquire a starting-caliber outfielder. Such a move would allow the team to slide Betts to second base when he returns and continue to allow Miguel Rojas to start at shortstop. In the midst of a career year, you'd hate to relegate him to a bench role.
Perhaps Outman's return could allow them to see that idea through without even needing to acquire outside help. If the adjustments keep.
Prior to his demotion to Triple-A Oklahoma City, Outman had been struggling mightily with LA. He hit only .147 and reached base at a .250 clip across 124 plate appearances. He struck out over 32 percent of time, and his wRC+ checked in at a mere 54.
During his time in Triple-A, though, Outman was able to work his offense back into form. He hit .279 and posted a .393 OBP in 179 PAs. He cut the strikeout rate to roughly 26 percent while also bumping up his walk rate a few points (13.4). His wRC+ on the farm came in at 126.
There's clear upside from Outman as an offensive player, as he's capable of providing both a little pop and a little speed on the bases. His career splits don't indicate a heavy favoring of a certain handedness from opposing pitches either (albeit in a small sample).
If Outman is able to carry his minor league adjustments into his latest big league stint, there's a chance he could latch back onto the starting job in center field. That would allow the team to platoon Andy Pages & Jason Heyward over in right, upon the latter's return. Pages has a wRC+ of 156 against lefties, while Heyward has performed almost exclusively against right-handed pitching this year.
Such a scenario playing out would allow the Dodgers to throw their focus more into bolstering the depth on the pitching staff, as improvements from Outman, combined with an excelling Rojas, could provide the lineup length they're seeking.
Of course, it's far from a guarantee that comes to fruition given Outman's early struggles. Nevertheless, it's yet another roster dynamic worth monitoring as we work through the month of July.