The Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly tabled trade discussions with the Chicago White Sox for centerfielder Luis Robert Jr. Perhaps the most interesting part of the talks surrounded the return package for Chicago, which would have included outfielder James Outman and a top prospect.
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MLB insider Bob Nightengale explained why the White Sox are interested in acquiring Outman from the Dodgers.
“I think that’s why they’re so intrigued by James Outman,” Nightengale said to Doug McKain on Dodgers Dougout Live. “Outman probably needs a change of scenery. He just needs to play everyday so who knows? Maybe he could be that type of player in Chicago or somewhere else. And I’m sure they want something more from the [Dodgers], and they’re going to ask for that from all 30 teams until they get what they want. So they just need [Luis Robert] stay healthy and start performing. They know if he performs well over say a month period, then it’ll be a lot easier to trade him.”
Outman shined in his rookie year with the Dodgers throughout the 2023 season. He finished the campaign with a .248 batting average, 23 home runs, 70 RBIs and a 3.3 WAR.
Last season, Outman struggled mightily as he hit .147 and recorded just 20 hits in 53 games. The outfielder did not make the postseason roster, and was demoted earlier that year.
This spring, Outman had the opportunity to reclaim the starting centerfield spot, but manager Dave Roberts was honest about the 27-year-old’s struggles at the plate.
“Early on, he looked really comfortable with kind of a little revamped swing,” Roberts said. “But right now, he’s swinging and missing a lot. I don’t know if he’s pressing. He just doesn’t look as comfortable.”
Outman was optioned to Triple-A following the Dodgers’ trip to Tokyo, but appears to be garnering interest from other teams early in the season.
With Oklahoma City this season, he’s hitting .169 with four home runs and 13 RBIs across 77 at-bats.
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Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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