Other than centerfielder Andy Pages, the 2025 regular outfielders ranged from mediocre (Tommy Edman, Teoscar Hernández), poor (Kiké Hernández), and awful (Michael Conforto). Collectively, the Dodgers outfielders earned a paltry 3.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR). Pages’ WAR was 4.1, the rest of the OF was negative 0.4.
(Katelyn Mulcahy)
Conforto ($17M) and T. Hernández ($20M) were paid well by the team to provide an offensive punch to the middle of the lineup. Their combined WAR in 2025 was 0.00 – overpaid by $37M.
Injuries were factors as they impacted the performances of Edman (ankle; postseason surgery), K. Hernández (left elbow; post season surgery), and T. Hernández (groin and left foot bone bruise). The Dodgers did not have the depth to overcome injuries and poor performances.
The front office response to the outfield failures? They brought up journeyman outfielders Esteury Ruiz (acquired from Athletics), then Justin Dean (a minor league free agent, and later traded for Alex Call (Washington Nationals); their collective WAR was 0.0. Interestingly, the team did not add Triple-A Oklahoma City outfielder Ryan Ward, who led Minor League Baseball with 36 home runs, 122 RBI, 73 extra-base hits, and 315 total bases.
How will the Dodgers improve their outfield for 2026? Addition by subtraction:
- Michael Conforto and Justin Dean are no longer on the team.
- Tommy Edman should be fully recovered from ankle surgery.
- Ryan Ward has been added to the 40-man roster.
- Andy Pages’ defensive improvement was remarkable from the beginning of the 2025 season to the seventh game of the World Series. He has the talent to be a very fine, all-around MLB player.
Nonetheless, the Dodgers will likely add one (or two) proven MLB outfielders to the active roster. Preferably someone for CF, or RF, which will move T. Hernandez back to LF.
Outfield free agent options include RF Kyle Tucker, CF/RF Cody Bellinger, CF Trent Grisham, and CF Harrison Bader.
Trade options are too numerous to include. The Dodgers have the pitching depth and highly regarded prospects to acquire experienced, talented outfielders for CF or RF. Or, the team acquires a full-time second baseman, make Tommy Edman their everyday CF’er, with Pages in RF, T. Hernández in LF.
Next, the six-man rotation.
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OhioDodger
January 3, 2026 at 7:14 pm
I would like to see the Dodgers sign Bader for CF. Only 2 or 3 years and a much lower annual salary than the others. Perhaps a 2 year contract with a vesting option for a 3rd year? I think 2 years/$25M gets it done. Maybe 3 years/$37M.
Stevenbendodger
January 3, 2026 at 8:37 pm
I have been on the same bandwagon. Move Teo to LF Bader in CF and Pages in Rf. Much better defensive alignment.
CM
January 7, 2026 at 2:48 am
Bring on the kids. Any one of the triple a youngsters would be better than that horrible conforto.
What a skunk. Yes Teo is only a left fielder. The heck with trading for someone. We have plenty i think.
Stevenbendodger
January 9, 2026 at 5:17 pm
What is the next move for the Dodgers?
Can’t possibly go to opening day without acquiring an Outfielder?
Opening day
Call, Teo and Pages in the OF?
Pitching I have no concerns.
Infield I have no concerns.
OF concerns.
Jesse Pearce
January 10, 2026 at 8:56 am
My thoughts in today’s piece posted in last hour