The Los Angeles Dodgers have several holes in their lineup, and could look to address them through trade rather than free agency.
Perhaps their biggest issue lies in left field, and LA will be eager to find a replacement after Michael Conforto’s exit.
The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya and Katie Woo listed numerous players who could fill the Dodgers’ hole in the outfield, and we’ll be looking into each.
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Steven Kwan
The Dodgers worked with the Cleveland Guardians at the deadline to get a deal across for Kwan, but nothing came of their conversations. Kwan is under team control through 2027, and Cleveland.com’s Paul Haynes and Joe Noga believe he could be traded if the Guardians don’t sign him to an extension by the end of the offseason.
Kwan, a four-time Gold Glover, is one of MLB’s premier contact hitters, and strikes out less than almost anyone across the league. His skillset and a solid offensive and defensive profile would make him invaluable to the Dodgers if they could bring him in.
Brendan Donovan
Donovan has a similar skillset to Kwan, not striking out often while generating plenty of contact. The Dodgers have been linked to Donovan extensively this offseason, but may not be alone in pursuing him. Donovan could slot directly into left, and could also help out in the infield when needed.
Adam Jude of the Seattle Times reported the Seattle Mariners have expressed their interest in the utility man this offseason.
Lars Nootbaar
Another player the Cardinals could ship out during their fire sale, Nootbaar is a more natural option in the outfield than Donovan. While not as elite at avoiding strikeouts and generating contact compared to Donovan, the left fielder posted a solid set of years before a sub-.700 OPS year in 2025 and will look to bounce back with a change of scenery.
Ardaya and Woo say Nootbaar is a more affordable option, and the Dodgers could look to move in on the rebuilding Central squad.
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Jarren Duran
Jarren Duran has been a candidate for trade all offseason after narrowly avoiding a move to San Diego at the trade deadline. The Red Sox have too many solid outfielders, and Duran — the oldest among his peers— could be the one to make his way out.
MLB.com’s Ian Browne believes the Red Sox should pursue starting pitching — something the Dodgers have plenty of — in exchange for Duran.
“Wouldn’t everyone agree that the Sox need to add another front-line pitcher to pair with Garrett Crochet rather than merely replace Giolito?” Browne wrote after the Red Sox acquired starter Sonny Gray from the Cardinals.
Byron Buxton
Buxton and the Dodgers have flirted with each other over the past several seasons, but nothing has come of it yet. The Twins blew up their core at the deadline, though, so the door could be cracked for a deal.
The veteran has a no-trade clause on his contract, but is willing to waive it for the right team, per Jeff Passan.
The Dodgers are a premier landing spot for any player at the moment, and have the prospects available to appease a rebuilding Twins team.
Photo Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
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