Former Los Angeles Dodgers emerging outfielder James Outman has been designated for assignment by the Minnesota Twins, the team announced.
Outman was traded by the Dodgers at the 2025 MLB Trade Deadline after a breakthrough 2023 season that saw him emerge as one of the more heralded young players on the Dodgers.
He hit .248/.353/.437 while playing in the outfield and hitting 23 home runs, but since that breakout campaign, he has been a really bad hitter.
In 2026, he has hit a measly .156/.229/.250 slash in 70 plate appearances as a backup for the Twins, who traded for the outfielder and gave up a solid reliever in Brock Stewart.
The Twins were hoping that a change of scenery would help Outman, who was losing confidence on a Dodgers team with high expectations and would not give a player all the time in the world to figure things out, with a World Series hanging in the balance.
However, he has failed to make an impression on the organization after spending a good amount of time with the team, and now the Twins have decided to place him on waivers to free up a roster spot.
Given his struggles, the Twins will likely end up keeping him, hoping that work in the minor leagues can help him turn things around at the plate.
His speed and defense make him a valuable backup to have, but he needs to be around league average as a hitter to really keep a roster spot for a consistent period of time.
Outman’s 2023 season will buy him some more time and chances, but the clock is running out on the outfielder.
The Dodgers won the trade with the Twins
Despite Brock Stewart playing in a handful of games in Dodger blue, he has been an above-replacement-level player, something that Outman cannot say.
The righty has been injured, limiting his playing time, but the Dodgers are quite bullish on him as a middle relief option.
An outfielder for releiver trade typically does not work well for the team dealing the outfielder, but the Dodgers have made a smart piece of business with this trade.
4 Responses
Until Brock Stewart actually pitches nobody wins this trade. Hopefully he can work his way back in near future.
Sorry to hear Outman is struggling, hope he can find his rookie form again.
I really hope Outman can find his true talent again! I think he was crushed by the Dodgers lack of faith, not giving him time to get his “groove” back! The sporadic back and forth to the majors must have been really difficult!! I hope someone picks him up, with a really good batting coach, and gives him a fair chance!! He’s still young enough to come through!!
Hope he catches on with another team and does well.