Dodgers Trade Rumors: Improving Outfield Defense A Focus

Adding a high-leverage right-handed relief pitcher is the top priority for the Los Angeles Dodgers as the MLB trade deadline approaches at 3 p.m. PT on July 31.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has confirmed that publicly, and it’s no secret as to why. The bullpen has been a problem for much of the season, and three of their top four options are left-handed.

But one other area has become a focus for the Dodgers as they look to improve their roster for the postseason, and that’s adding a quality defensive outfielder, according to Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:

One specific priority that has been increasingly emphasized by people around the organization in recent days: Someone who can not only hit, but more profoundly upgrade their outfield defense.

Defense has arguably been the biggest issue for the Dodgers this season, and it starts with their outfield. Both Teoscar Hernández and Michael Conforto rank as some of the worst defenders in MLB.

Among the 92 outfielders with at least 100 defensive attempts, Hernández ranks 89th with -8 outs above average, and Conforto ranks just slightly better at 87th with -6 outs above average.

Meanwhile, Andy Pages has played a quality center field overall, but still makes too many mental errors and would be better suited in a corner spot, all things considered.

Many will argue the Dodgers could fix their defensive issues by moving Mookie Betts back to right field and Hernández to left field. But Betts has played a strong defensive shortstop and shown significant regression in his outfield defensive abilities.

Last season, Betts posted just one out above average in the outfield, which ranked 52 of 134 outfielders. It would be an upgrade, but his defense at shortstop provides more value at this point, especially given his offensive decline.

Hernández also didn’t grade out much better in left field last season, ranking 131st of the 134 outfielders with -9 outs above average.

That leaves a trade as the most logical way to improve the outfield defense, and it’s why they’ve been connected to multiple hitters already who would help fix their issues.

Dodgers interested in multiple bats

The Dodgers have already been connected to Steven Kwan, Harrison Bader and Brendan Donovan, all of whom represent defensive upgrades.

Kwan and Bader would be the cleanest fits as both are already outfielders, while Donovan would likely take over at second base, which would move Tommy Edman to center field.

The cost for Kwan is likely to be high, and maybe even out of the Dodgers’ comfort range. Bader seems like a solid middle-ground between talent and cost, but he does provide the left-handed bat they hope to add.