The 2025 Major League Baseball season finished less than three weeks ago, and the free-agent rumors are already flying. Despite winning the World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers did not have a marquee name residing in the outfield, and they need an above-average defender if they want a legitimate chance of repeating in 2026. Here are four possibilities they could consider.
Four Possible Outfielders for the Dodgers to Add This Offseason
Venturing From Wrigley
Right-fielder Kyle Tucker has been rumored to be on the Dodgers’ radar since last season. He was having a great year until he sustained a hairline fracture in his hand. Tucker played through nearly half the year with the injury. Undoubtedly, it affected his overall numbers, which were still above average. Tucker hit for a .266 batting average with 22 home runs and 73 runs batted in. He would be a definite defensive upgrade from Teoscar Hernández, who patrolled right last year. However, it seems that Tucker may be asking for an 8-10 year deal worth $400-500 million. Although the Dodgers have the money to spend, it seems unlikely that they would. But they will be in the conversation until a contract is signed, and anything can happen.
Can You Go Home Again?
Cody Bellinger came up in the Dodgers organization and had a great amount of success, including the Rookie of the Year Award in 2017, Most Valuable Player Award in 2019, and a World Series ring in 2020. He fell off offensively, but rebounded with the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees. This year, he hit .277 with 29 bombs and 98 RBI. Most impressively, he hit .353 against left-handed pitching. Bellinger can also play all three outfield positions and first base at an above-average level. The Dodgers need a left-handed bat in their lineup, and they value versatility. Would either side be open to a reunion, especially if Bellinger is probably seeking his last long-term contract? Time will tell.
“Sometimes you can’t go back home.”@AlannaRizzo isn’t sure Cody Bellinger would have the same impact back in LA. pic.twitter.com/jdA71Su2v7
— Dodgers Territory (@LADTerritory) November 18, 2025
Trading for a Twin?
The Minnesota Twins’ Byron Buxton is a Gold Glove center fielder and an offensive force. He hit .266 with 35 home runs in 2025. He is the cream of the crop of the outfielders. The Twins’ ownership had a fire sale at the trade deadline last year. However, Buxton is under contract and has a no-trade clause. However, the word is that the All-Star is open to waiving it if he goes to a contender. Would Minnesota move him if they were able to get young controllable players in return? If the Dodgers dipped into their depth and acquired Buxton, he could go to center field, Teoscar Hernández would move to left, and Andy Pages to right. This would stabilize the outfield defense and put another powerful bat in the lineup. The only question is, could Buxton stay healthy? His career high for games is 121. Would the Dodgers take the chance on the oft-injured outfielder?
Will They Finally Pull the Trigger?
During last year’s trade deadline, the Dodgers inquired about Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan several times. The inefficiency of Michael Conforto concerned the Dodgers during the stretch run. However, the asking price was just too much. During this year’s General Manager Meetings, the rumors of the possibility of a trade resurfaced. Kwan has multiple years left on his contract, and though he had a down year with the bat, his ability to make contact is an attractive option to the Dodgers.
There is no doubt the Dodgers will do something, but for now, it’s hurry up and wait.
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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