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Dave Roberts Acknowledges Struggling Outfielder

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sam Bernardi | Last updated Mar 10, 2025 8:30 PM ET

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder James Outman has not gotten off to a strong Spring.

Outman, who turns 28 in May, is batting .174 with only two extra-base hits and zero home runs. He also has a staggering 44 K%.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had this to say on Outman: “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 sensational in his debut 2023 campaign, where he played 151 games. He hit 23 HRs, 70 RBIs, .248, and had a .790 OPS. Plus, he chipped in 16 stolen bases and displayed a strong arm and tremendous range in center.

2024 was a different story.

He got off to a slow start and was designated for assignment in May. Despite getting chances in later portions of the season, his 2023 season felt inimitable. A dreadful .147 batting average and .521 OPS plagued what could have been a nice follow-up to a breakout.

Outman’s journey is far from over, and he still has plenty of talent. But with his latest efforts, a regular MLB spot feels out of reach.

Los Angeles brought in left fielder Michael Conforto to play alongside right fielder Teoscar Hernández and super-utility man Tommy Edman, who will see plenty of time in center.

Valuable bench veterans Chris Taylor and Kiké Hernández also figure to receive outfield opportunities.

This leaves Outman on the outside looking in, and he will need a tremendous showing in triple-A to return to the Big Leagues.

He had a solid 69 games for Oklahoma City in 2024, crushing 17 HR and 46 RBIs with an impressive .933 OPS. However, even if he repeats those numbers, the logjam in the Dodgers' outfield complicates Outman’s path.

If he can rediscover his swing, perhaps a confidence boost will tap into some of that 2023 success.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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