Dave Roberts Reveals How Dodgers' Outfield Will Look in 2024
The Los Angeles Dodgers' outfield will look slightly different from recent seasons. Superstar Mookie Betts is transitioning to second base in 2024, leaving a huge void to fill in right field.
However, the Dodgers have the depth and resources to compensate for Betts' prowess. All eyes will be on James Outman, Chris Taylor, Jason Heyward, and two of LA's newest acquisitions: Teoscar Hernández and Manuel Margot.
These two will be tasked to take care of the outfield, and have the pitchers' and infielders' backs throughout the season. The outfield was one of the worries for the Boys in Blue, but with the additions of Margot and Hernández, the Dodgers' outfield is a formidable one.
We know who will play out there now, but how will it all play out? In a recent interview with the media, including Dodgers Insider, manager Dave Roberts revealed his plan with the outfield, starting with Hernández.
“He’s going to move around, but primarily play left field,” Roberts said. “I’ve talked to him about being prepared to play left field and right field.”
Hernández signed with the Dodgers in early January. He will surely give the Dodgers an extra punch in the lineup and, hopefully, defensively.
As for the sophomore Outman, Roberts said he wants him in a premium defensive position: center field.
“(Outman’s) defense in the last four months of the season was very good, and so playing a premium defensive position, I want him out there. It’s more of a, ‘How can I keep Manny (Margot) involved?’ situation.”
The ninth-year manager added that Taylor would be in the mix to play left and center field this season to provide another right-handed outfield option in the lineup. We're all familiar with Taylor's ability to be a team player and move around the diamond when needed.
Roberts said Heyward could be the primary right fielder, with Hernández and Margot as viable right-handed platoon options. Outman, Heyward, and Hernández seem to be the guys we'll see most of the time, with Margot and Taylor being deployed situationally.
