The Los Angeles Dodgers addressed the outfield in free agency, the biggest question mark on the defending champions’ roster heading into the offseason.
The bullpen was the biggest need on paper, considering how the end of the season was essentially all about avoiding the use of relievers and leaning on the starters.
However, under the hood, it was the outfield that the Dodgers slapped band-aid fixes on to avoid falling short of a World Series win.
More news: Dodgers Offer Kyle Tucker ‘Huge Short-Term Deal’
Both the hitting and defense in the outfield could have cost them the World Series in 2025 and were likely a roadblock to achieving their three-peat.
However, Kyle Tucker’s signing brings a good deal of quality, stabilizing the unit and raising the overall level.
His addition will allow for better defense to make up for Teoscar Hernandez’s defensive issues, while allowing Andy Pages to build his hitting confidence once again.
Also, Kiké Hernandez and Tommy Edman are freed up for more infield work to keep the platoon fresh, increasing the odds that the key pieces make it through the season.
How Did The Outfield Perform in 2025?
In 2025, the Dodgers rolled out Michael Conforto, Andy Pages, and Teoscar Hernandez as the key starters in the outfield.
Out of the three, Pages performed best during the regular season, with Conforto failing to get his bat going at all. Hernandez hit league-average, though he struggled to field well, showing slow reaction times and a limited range of effectiveness.
More news: Dodgers’ Ryan Ward Talks Minor League Success, Battle For Roster Spot
The postseason saw Hernandez get his swing back, delivering clutch hits, but his defense continued to lag. Pages went totally cold, leading manager Dave Roberts to drop him from the lineup down the stretch in the World Series.
Conforto did not play in the postseason after his struggles. He was always limited defensively, though his bat never made up for it.
The Dodgers got away with this trio not delivering by using utility pieces like Edman and Kike Hernandez, who filled in and provided an upgrade defensively and a different dynamic at the plate.
With Conforto walking away, Pages needing a bounce-back, and Hernandez another year into his 30s, they needed to improve their outfield.
The Dodgers risked leaving things to chance if they went down the organizational depth path, and with a three-peat on the line, they did not want to risk the chance to grow their dynasty.
