October 30th, 2023 at 10:00 am 
by Ron Cervenka At risk of criticism and ridicule, I’ll say (ask) what many Dodgers fans are thinking but no one wants to come right out and say (ask):
Should the Dodgers keep 26-year-old outfielder James Outman, who was signed through the 2023 season and becomes arbitration eligible in 2026 and a free agent in 2029, or should they package the popular Redwood City, CA native and their seventh-round draft pick in 2018 out of Cal State Sacramento in a trade deal for a pitching upgrade?
I know, I know, Outman slugged 23 home runs (fifth most on the team) and drove in 70 runs (sixth most on the team) during the 2023 regular season, but he also led the team with his 181 regular season strikeouts, 28 more than the next nearest Dodger (Max Muncy‘s 153), and that’s not including those three aforementioned Ks in Game-2 of the NLDS. (He did walk once in that game, so there’s that).
There is no disputing Outman’s defensive skills, he is a stellar outfielder, having played 135 games in center field, 17 games in left field, and six games in right field, committing only two errors (both in center field) in his combined 145 games played … but those Ks.
(SportsNet LA)
But regardless of what Dodgers ownership and Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman ultimately decide to do with their extremely popular outfielder, make no mistake about it, James Outman will be on a 2024 Opening Day Major League roster somewhere.
That, you can take to the bank.
Play Ball!
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James Outman is not a free agent.
Agreed with Steve. Outman will probably start in center field next year, at minimum as the long side of a platoon… probably more because of his defense. 2nd coming of Joc Pederson maybe?
I love James Outman! I hope they keep him on the team on another note for the Dodger, Mookie Betts makes incredibly stupid comment on Trevor Bauer! People aren’t gonna forget that and they will see it! Now we’re sticking up for guys that beat women up
Agree.
“My experience with Bauer is not anything remotely close to what everyone else’s experience is. I love him. I think he’s an awesome guy. The personal things? I have no control. I have no say. Obviously, nothing ever came from it.”
As a wise old patrol sergeant told me many years ago: “Son, you missed a perfect opportunity to keep your mouth shut.”
The strikeouts are excruciating. Give him at least one more year because he has talent.
Amazing that so many people who have absolutely no idea what Trevor Bauer did or did not do with this woman, are quick to condemn him. Further just think of how far the Dodgers might have gone if he was on the pitching staff in the playoffs
My personal opinion is that the woman ( based on what we know took place)is kind of off thewall
No I don’t think any of the new guys should come back. I miss Seager and Turner.
Keep Outtman, dump Muncy.
Muncy strikes out still too much after all this years, below average 3rd baseman & isn’t worth 14 million & up for 2024. Besides He’s 33. Repeat Outtman stays 2024 Muncy adios!
Not sure where you’re getting that James Outman is a free agent, he still got three years of arbitration. At least that’s what I can tell. As to whether or not, he should be starting in centerfield, well, I’m not sure about all the metrics, but he does strike out a lot, and they say he has reverse splits, but I think the numbers show that he is much better against right handed pitcher. That being said, I’m kind of tired of platooning where are the good old days when Bill Russell, Ron Cey Davey lopes and Steve Garvey played all the time right handed or left handed pitchers. It didn’t matter. Somehow, someway, it’s become sort of a thing that you platoon. I know it’s supposed to work but I’m not a big fan of it. Personally, I actually liked Amed Rosario, but I doubt they will resign him. With the new base running rules, and the size of the bag I think speed is going to take over a lot of what we see in the majors. And I’m also tired of the fact that Dave Roberts thinks that every one of his hitters is going to produce in the clutch when they don’t! You better start realizing that and start manufacturing runs somehow someway, that has to be tried by the Dodgers. Pitching is the thing that is going to carry them over next year, I would really like them to get a Jordan Montgomery, good, left-handed, workhorse, and usually reliable in the playoffs. Bobby Miller, Clayton, Kershaw hopefully, Walker Buehler, and Ryan Pepiot. And maybe a reclamation for Jack Flarhety, that would be awesome. Hate to lose Ryan Brasier, but maybe we can find another diamond in the rough to go with Evan Phillips and Graterol. Let’s go Dodgers!
That’s what I was wondering. No one mentioned him in the free agents, so the arbitration makes more sense.
Article corrected, Monica. My sincerest apologies for my senior moment.
No worries. I know I had looked myself and was confused.
My (serious) oversight, Cid. This from Baseball Reference:
2023 Status: Signed thru 2023, Earliest Arb Eligible: 2026, Earliest Free Agent: 2029.
Article fixed. Getting old ain’t for the young at heart.