They still need to figure this out before Opening Day.
The Dodgers recent acquisition of OF David Peralta pretty much finalizes their roster heading into the 2023 season. I don’t expect them to make another move, and even if they do, it definitely won’t be in the outfield.
The outfielders the Dodgers have right now will be the ones competing for spots in the starting lineup on Opening Day.
We know Mookie Betts is going to be in right field, but at this point, that’s the only sure thing.
We know Chris Taylor is going to be starting, but we don’t know if it’ll be in left field or center. Then, that leaves Peralta, Trayce Thompson, James Outman and, for the sake of naming everyone who can possibly fill that role, Jason Heyward, Steven Duggar and Bradley Zimmer as the six guys fighting for the final spot.
Because of all these potential different outcomes, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic pegged the lack of center fielder as the team’s biggest question entering the new season.
“Who is the center fielder? The most proven big-league option is Chris Taylor, who had his worst year as a Dodger in 2022 as he started a four-year, $60 million deal. Trayce Thompson was productive down the stretch, but how much of that is sustainable after years of bouncing on and off rosters? Then there’s James Outman, a top-100 prospect with the tools to succeed, but just 16 big-league plate appearances to his name. All three would probably fit better defensively in a corner, but who winds up in center?”
It’s a great question, and one that will likely be sorted out in Spring Training. However, if I had to guess how it works out, on Opening Day, I expect to see Betts in right, Peralta in left and Taylor in center.
I think the addition of Peralta was not only much-needed depth, but it also meant the Dodgers aren’t quite sure if Thompson’s success is sustainable and if Outman is ready for a full workload come Opening Day.
I think Peralta is going to slot into that starting left fielder role (still on a platoon, though), shifting Taylor to center. Then, on days when Peralta is out of the lineup, Taylor will go to left, and either Thompson or Outman will play in center.
Obviously things can change. And maybe one of Heyward, Duggar or Zimmer will impress enough to earn the final spot on the roster. But at this moment, this is the way I see things going come Opening Day.
