The Los Angeles Dodgers have a good problem on their hands. They have too much talent and not enough playing time.
That puts manager Dave Roberts in a difficult position when it comes to determining who makes the big league out of spring training and who has to start the year in Triple-A.
“I think the first two names that come to mind are James Outman and Andy Pages, who on any other major league roster, they would have a job, they would be certain to get 400, 500 plate appearnaces,”
Roberts said. “Kiké Hernández is a guy that certainly we value but the opportunities with us it has to be sacrifice and for me, my job is to make sure our guys stay on board with being ready when called upon knowing that the most important thing is us winning baseball games.
“Guys will get an opportunity because at some point in time meritocracy, merit matters but when you have a roster that’s arguably the most talented roster in history one through 40, playing time is hard.”
Neither Outman nor Pages is a lock to make the big league roster this season after both have seen significant playing time at the MLB level.
Outman debuted with the Dodgers in 2022 but his rookie season the following year is what gave him the starting center field job. He finished third in National League Rookie of the Year voting but disaster struck in 2024 and he spent most of the year in Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Pages was called up last year and played in 116 games. He hit two home runs in the National League Championship Series but wasn’t consistent enough to be an every day guy for the Dodgers.
With the team brining back Hernández, that leaves one roster stop for Outman, Pages, and Chris Taylor to fight for in camp.
Among the three, Taylor is the most versatile. He can play second base, third base, shortstop and outfield, but his kryptonite has been his lack of offense. If he finds his swing then the job will probably be his.
