The Dodgers have seven players on the 2019 roster with credible outfield experience: Cody Bellinger, Kiké Hernandez, Joc Pederson, A.J. Pollock, Chris Taylor, Andrew Toles,  and rookie Alex Verdugo. Unfortunately, Andrew Toles is not in camp and with each day of missed practice it is less likely that the team can count on him for the start of the season.

If all goes according to plan, Chris Taylor will be an infielder this season, only playing occasionally in the outfield. Dave Roberts has penciled in his four primary outfielders: Cody Bellinger in right, AJ Pollock in center, with Joc Pederson and Kiké Hernandez platooning in left. Right now it looks like Alex Verdugo’s playing time will be limited to backing up Pollock in center and in right when Bellinger moves to first base.

This is a solid outfield with the bat, with the potential to be exceptional. The platoon of Pederson and Hernandez in left field combine for All-Star-caliber stats, while Pollock and Bellinger have the ability to achieve much better production than 2018.

But there is a significant improvement defensively. Contrary to popular belief (perhaps based more on emotion than anything else), this is a much stronger unit without Puig (-8.5 Fangraphs defensive WAR last season) and Kemp (-9.5 WAR). Kiké replacing Kemp in LF is an astounding 12.5 WAR improvement, and Pollock is a net improvement of 9.4 WAR in place of Puig. And, it is likely that Bellinger will be a better defender in right field than he was last season in center. Not to overlook Verdugo who is considered to be a plus defender. Dodgers pitchers are going to love this outfield!

It is likely that the Dodgers will once again start the season with 13 pitchers, leaving only 4 bench spots. One of those spots is for a catcher, another goes to David Freese, and another for the fourth outfielder (Hernandez). The final spot likely goes to Alex Verdugo (or possibly Andrew Toles) which frees up Bellinger or Hernandez on any given day to play another position.

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