Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
So far this offseason the Los Angeles Dodgers have re-signed Miguel Rojas and stunned the industry by adding Edwin Díaz on a team-friendly three-year contract.
Rojas figures to play another key role off the bench for the Dodgers in his final season, while the signing of Díaz gives the team an unquestioned closer to help stabilize a bullpen that was inconsistent throughout their World Series run.
Still, a need exists in the outfield, and that could multiply if the Dodgers move forward with a Teoscar Hernández trade. They have been among the teams connected to a potential deal for Brendan Donovan, but may be lagging behind in those sweepstakes.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Dodgers are among the teams interested in completing a Lars Nootbaar trade with the St. Louis Cardinals:
As reported previously by The Athletic, the Seattle Mariners are a favorite for Donovan and the Los Angeles Dodgers are among the teams interested in Nootbaar.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman recently shared his thought that the roster did not need to be significantly addressed before the start of the 2026 season, but acknowledged a position player was on the radar.
One presumed move still expected is the re-signing of Kiké Hernández. Though, due to Hernández undergoing left elbow surgery that will cause him to miss Opening Day, there’s a likelihood of that not taking place until the 60-day injured list can be utilized at the start of Spring Training.
Meanwhile, because of versatility within their group of position players, the Dodgers effectively could look to acquire an outfielder at any three of spots and adjust accordingly. Manager Dave Roberts already floated the possibility of Hernández shifting back to left field, where he played for the Dodgers in 2024.
Dodgers’ impact of Lars Nootbaar trade
If the Dodgers were to acquire Nootbaar, he seemingly would be part of their solution to filling a current void in left field. The addition would be similar to their signing of Michael Conforto for the 2025 season.
Nootbaar is coming off a year in which he batted .234/.325/.361 with 24 doubles, 13 home runs and 48 RBI over a career-high 135 games. One of the 28-year-old’s strengths is drawing walks at a high rate.
However, Nootbaar underwent surgery on both heels this past October and could miss the start of the 2026 season. Nootbaar is under team control via salary arbitration through the 2027 campaign.
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