Dodgers Rumors: Pundit Urges LA to Trade for All-Star Outfielder This Season

The Dodgers enter the 2023 season with some interesting decisions in the outfield. Mookie Betts is going to be in right field, but that's the only sure thing. With Cody Bellinger gone, the center field job is wide open for the first time in seemingly forever. Also, with Chris Taylor's struggles, he's no lock to be an everyday player.

Between Taylor, Trayce Thompson, David Peralta, Jason Heyward and James Outman, Dave Roberts will have his options to fill left and center on any given day. However, between these five players, there isn't really a sure thing. That's why, Zachary D. Rymer at Bleacher Report thinks the Dodgers should go big, and trade for All-Star centerfielder Bryan Reynolds from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

"He either wants to be

traded

or

extended

, and the club's history of

financial responsibility

rank cheapness under Bob Nutting surely makes the former more likely.

"As he has a career

127 OPS+

with 51 home runs over the last two seasons, scoring Reynolds would be good enough in and of itself for the Dodgers. Further, it would be a nice bonus to be able to parade him in front of the San Francisco Giants asking, "You guys

lose this?

""

Reynolds would be a huge addition to the Dodgers, however, it's unclear if he's available. While he requested a trade from Pittsburgh, the Pirates have said they won't trade him except for a Juan Soto-like haul. At the same time, though, the two sides are pretty far off in extension talks, and at some point, something has to give.

As a player, Reynolds has been one of the more underrated outfielders over the last two seasons. In 2021, he was named an All-Star when he slashed .302/.390/.522 with 24 home runs and 90 RBIs. Then, last season, he followed that up with a career-high 27 home runs to go along with 67 RBIs and a .807 OPS.

Reynolds can play all three outfield positions, although he's spent most of his time in center. He's also a switch-hitter, and hits well against both righties and lefties.

The Pirates have said they'll only trade him for a huge package, but that's likely to change when they realize he isn't as good as they're asking for. This deal likely wouldn't happen until closer to the trade deadline, but its' definitely a possibility for the Dodgers.