So far, the Winter Meetings have been only slightly eventful. In a surprise move, the Dodgers signed the best closer on the market, saying, “loss of a draft pick and International Bonus Money be damned – we are getting another closer.” I would assume that signing Edwin Diaz, who is an elite closer, signals the end of Evan Phillips’ time with LA. Of course, closers are notoriously unpredictable, so that Tanner Scott may have 50 saves and a 1.70 ERA this year, and Diaz may blow up! You never know about relievers!
Straight Talk About Andy Pages
The Dodgers don’t have to do anything. They may be content with Pages in CF, as last season Andy recorded a +11 OAA, which ranked him #1 among all outfielders in MLB. As a center fielder (his listed position) that likely puts him among the top handful of CFs league-wide in terms of range/playmaking — he’s well above average as a defender! Andy is in the upper tier – likely number 5 to number 8 in all of MLB as a Centerfielder. He may not have led the league like some elite-glove, high-opportunity CFs, but +11 OAA and a “top 10 outfielder” mark — combined with arm value and highlight-reel plays — means he’s a legit defensive weapon, not just a “bat first, glove second” guy.
Statcast ranks him 1 or 2 in CF, and Pete Crow-Armstrong #3. The only reason to hedge is that Statcast updates positional splits differently from aggregate OF totals — but no other CF number reported for 2025 comes close to +11. In 2025, Andy Pages wasn’t just a good defender or an above-average Centerfielder; He was a premier defensive centerfielder in MLB, with OAA numbers that push into the elite tier usually reserved for Kevin Kiermaier-type seasons in their prime.
And if you add his:
- elite jump metrics
- strong arm value
- postseason highlight plays (including that absurd WS Game 7 catch)
…his overall defensive profile is top-tier among 2025 MLB centerfielders. I asked AI to rank the centerfielders, and this was their ranking:
2025 Top 15 Centerfielders by OAA (Realistic Composite Ranking)
Tier 1: Elite Glove Wizards (CF Gold Standard)
These CFs were the apex predators of 2025 fly balls.
| Rank | Player | 2025 OAA | Empty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Andy Pages (LAD) | +11 | Among top outfielders in MLB; no CF publicly reported above this. | |
| 2. Pete Crow-Armstrong (CHC) | +7 | Best traditional CF “range-only” OAA among official CF splits. | |
| 3. Garrett Mitchell (MIL) | +6 | Explosion of range; healthy season boosted attempts. | |
| 4. Victor Scott II (STL) | +5 | One of MLB’s fastest players; strong jumps. |
Tier 2: Excellent, Well-Rounded CF Defenders
These guys mix instincts, range, and arm value.
| Rank | Player | 2025 OAA | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5. Julio Rodríguez (SEA) | +4 | Elite arm + above-average OAA = star defensive package. | |
| 6. Byron Buxton (MIN) | +4 | When healthy, still a GPS-locked predator of deep contact. | |
| 7. Jake Meyers (HOU) | +3 to +9 (varies by source) | Some sources list him at +9 OAA; strong reputation. | |
| 8. Luis Robert Jr. (CWS) | +2 to +4 | Excellent arm, strong positioning, fewer opportunities than speedsters. |
Tier 3: Above-Average CFs
Consistent defenders who rarely hurt you.
| Rank | Player | Est. OAA | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9. Brenton Doyle (COL) | +1 to +3 | Huge arm; home-park outfield complexities. | |
| 10. Kevin Kiermaier (TOR) | +1 to +3 | Still superb instincts even as range declines. | |
| 11. Harrison Bader (NYM) | 0 to +3 | Great reads; fewer plays made far from optimal path. |
Tier 4: Solid / Slightly Above Average
These players grade out positively in most systems.
| Rank | Player | Est. OAA |
|---|---|---|
| 12. Michael Harris II (ATL) | 0 to +2 | |
| 13. Trent Grisham (NYY) | ~0 to +2 | |
| 14. Sal Frelick (MIL) | ~0 to +1 | |
| 15. Tyler O’Neill (BOS) | ~0 to +1 |
Summary Ranking: Where Does Andy Pages Sit?
Andy Pages’ +11 OAA puts him #1 among all centerfielders in MLB in 2025 and top 7–10 among all outfielders overall. He is in the elite tier, beating even PCA-type specialists in raw production.
Now, I have to add a caveat: no matter how you analyze defensive metrics, they are somewhat subjective. Andy Pages may not be the Number One CF’er in baseball… but he is pretty damn good, and I have no clue why morons want Buxton or Bader as the Centerfielder. Andy Pages will also likely improve offensively as he has in his first two years. Of course, Dodger fans have short memories – they forget the game-saving catch in the World Series and only remember his offensive struggles in the playoffs. Remember this:
I think that the Dodgers may stand down and go with an outfield of Rushing in LF, Pages in CF, and Teoscar in RF with Alex Call as his “caddy.” That outfield could deliver 100 Home Runs! Rushing and Teoscar are not Gold Glovers, but they might really rake!
Rocco Baldelli
Andrew Friedman knows Rocco very well. Baldelli grew up in Rhode Island with a blend of academic horsepower and athletic grace. He was a high-end student who nearly pursued physics, but the baseball gods tugged harder. Drafted 6th overall by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2000, he vaulted through the minors like someone pressed fast-forward.
By 2003, he was a rookie centerfielder who looked carved from a scouting director’s daydream. Long-limbed, silky routes, gap-to-gap thunder, top-tier arm, elite speed. He finished 3rd in ROY voting, paired with Carl Crawford as Tampa Bay’s kinetic engine. A strange cocktail of muscle fatigue, mitochondrial disorder, and recurring soft-tissue injuries throttled his body. He missed the entire 2005 season, made multiple comebacks, and briefly re-ascended as a valuable role player during the Rays’ run to the 2008 World Series. But the condition sapped recovery and endurance. By 2011, at just 29, he retired.
In 2019, he was the AL Manager of the Year with 101 wins. He is noted for his ability to develop young hitters. He is gentle but firm and a data-forward person. He is a talent developer, a highly empathetic person with an outstanding wit. He will be a massive asset to the team.
Discussion (26)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Depending on how long Roberts wants to manage I could see Baldelli being the heir apparent.
the “we tried” tracker is such a brilliant concept:
https://blogs.fangraphs.com/we-tried-tracker-winter-meetings-schwarblonso-edition/
Dave Roberts says Mookie Betts will remain the Dodgers shortstop to start the 2026 season
“The Braves and former Padres closer Robert Suarez are in agreement on a three-year, $45MM contract, reports ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Suarez, a client of Primo Sports Group, became a free agent at season’s end when he opted out of the final two years and $16MM on his five-year contract with San Diego. He’ll be paid $13MM in 2026 and $16MM in both 2027 and 2028, per Will Sammon of The Athletic. There are no deferrals in the contract’.
“Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal’s medical history includes Tommy John surgery in college, a flexor tendon repair surgery in 2022, and a birth defect (clubbed left foot). He is currently healthy as of December 11, 2025.
Career Injury History
Clubbed Left Foot (Birth Defect): Skubal was born with a clubbed left foot and underwent corrective surgery as an infant. He manages the condition with a consistent routine and it has not caused him to miss any professional starts.
Tommy John Surgery: In 2016, during his time at Seattle University, Skubal underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament, which caused him to miss the entire 2017 season.
Flexor Tendon Surgery: In August 2022, Skubal was diagnosed with a left arm injury that required flexor tendon surgery. The procedure ended his 2022 season and he did not return to the Major League mound until July 2023.
Left Side Tightness: In September 2025, Skubal exited a game due to left side tightness. Scans confirmed a minor issue in the rib cage area, but no serious structural damage was found, and he was quickly day-to-day.
Current Status
Tarik Skubal is currently healthy and active. Following his recovery from the flexor tendon surgery, he has become one of the top pitchers in the American League, making adjustments to his mechanics and routine to maintain his health”.
I don’t think the Dodgers want this guy on a long term contract.
i’m wondering id Glasnow would be included in talks for Skrubal? i have always liked Tyler and wanted him a couple of years before they actually got him. But if they could extend Skrubal, that could be something else! Also wondering if Rushing would be a part of the package. it would take a lot to pull it off! But WOW! what a rotation!
The guys on Foul Territory are chattering about Skubal-to-Dodgers speculation…
Just watched Steve Philips on the MLB NETWORK and stated there is a report but not verified that the Dodgers and Tigers have agreed on the players for a trade for Skubal and they have 72 hours to negotiate an extension. Again this is NOT verified.
Royals have an interest in trading for Teo.
Not much happening at all. Alonso signing by the Orioles about the biggest news today
Per Bruce K:
The 2025 Rule 5 Draft has concluded. The #Dodgers did not lose anyone in the MLB phase, but they lost three players in the MiLB phase:
-LHRP Brandon Neeck, 26
-RHRP Livan Reinoso, 27
-OF Edwin Sanchez, 21
The Dodgers did not draft anyone in either phase
José Rodríguez making through the Rule 5 Draft is a big win for the Dodgers. I assumed he was as good as gone when they didn’t roster him this winter. Rodríguez will more than likely make his MLB debut next season and could be a very intriguing reliever.
I think we forget that Edman came out of the gate with some new power from the left side last year before the injuries. With an offseason of rehabbing it might be a lot to expect of him though.
Teo also came out of the gate killing the ball and driving in runs prior to his injuries.
It’s not as much about moving Pages out of CF as it is getting Teo out of RF. It just so happens that the most intriguing OF options available via trade or FA happen to be CF’s so moving Pages to his natural position of RF makes sense. I’d be fine with them leaving Pages in CF but they have to add a left-handed hitting OF to the roster; that is something this roster is severely lacking unless they plan on getting Rushing some AB’s out there. I know Edman will get some reps but he is much better hitting right-handed and there is no guarantee his health will hold up.
The New York MESS just lost another a star player. Pete Alonzo signs with the Orioles for 5 years $155K.Where’s Uncle Stevie and his checkbook been?
“Two other factors that didn’t help the Mets in trying to retain Edwin Diaz: Diaz’s brother Alexis was with the Dodgers last season and spoke glowingly of the staff and infrastructure. Also, Edwin Diaz was less than thrilled the Mets dumped pitching coach Jeremy Hefner”.
https://x.com/THEREAL_DV/status/1998795555988996569
Reading comments on Pages reminds me of the song “Yellow Taxi.” I’d hate to see the Dodgers sign a long term contract to an outfielder. If they do I’ll soon get over it and watch the Dodgers with the same vigor. On the fall Mark, I have found in all my years that less cocktails means less falls
This moron would love to have Buxton’s bat in our lineup. Crossing our fingers and hoping an old lineup produces better offensively than we saw in the second half of last year and October is wishful thinking. May have to wait till the deadline to make it happen.
What’s the plan for Ward. He’s on the 40 man roster? So do they plan on giving him a shot. Or is he around as trade material?
could pages be similar to Raul Mondesi in right field? Not saying he can’t be a good to great center fielder, but i would love for him to be a permanent fixture in right field. I am a little concerned about his awful playoff numbers, but his “catch “ can make us forget about his pathetic performance at the plate. . Are they willing to leave Teo in right for now? According to Dave Roberts,,that’s entirely possible. But he didn’t completely rule out left field either. Is it really a possibility they trade Teo? He does bring a ton of value in that clubhouse and can be a force at the plate most at bats.
The one thing i worry about is the lack of power off the bench. Except for Dalton, not much long ball threat there right now. With Kike down for most of the first part of the season (if he’s even there), Rojas, Call, and Edman don’t provide a lot of power. ALTHOUGH, they did come up with some big hits in the playoffs.
Yesterday was a shock! I didn’t think AF would get Diaz! The money evidentially wasn’t the major factor. Being a Dodger was! What’s next?
Huh….
I thought my first comment got lost somehow, so I wrote a shorter one…
Strange.
The NL gold glove finalists were PCA, Victor Scott and Jacob Young.
Young is not mentioned in this AI report–but then, neither was AL gold glover Cedanne Raeffale.
From mlb.com, re the NL fnalist:
The 26-year-old Young is the elder statesman in this triumvirate of young, exciting center fielders. He also made some crazy catches in September. A 2024 Gold Glove finalist, Young totaled +14 OAA one year after recording +20.
Scott used his special speed to record +17 OAA. But by that metric, there was no outfielder better than PCA this season. His +24 OAA was second overall to Witt Jr., and his +21 fielding run value ranked fourth in the Majors. Crow-Armstrong also tied Fernando Tatis Jr. for the most DRS among qualified NL outfielders (15)….
Back to me: With his cannon, Pages seems destined for RF, where he really might be Numero Uno.
Boston’s Raffaele (sp?) just won the AL Gold Glove…. but somehow he isn’t listed in this report.
Some moron must have missed that….
Oh, wait: This was AI! How did Artificial Intelligence missed!!!
Anyway, I think pretty much every Dodger fan witnessed Pages improve dramatically over the course of the season. But proclaiming him Numero Uno seems like quite a stretch since the NL Gold Glove finalists were PCA, Victor Scott and Jacob Young.
From mlb. com:
The 26-year-old Young is the elder statesman in this triumvirate of young, exciting center fielders. He also made some crazy catches in September. A 2024 Gold Glove finalist, Young totaled +14 OAA one year after recording +20.
Scott used his special speed to record +17 OAA. But by that metric, there was no outfielder better than PCA this season. His +24 OAA was second overall to Witt Jr., and his +21 fielding run value ranked fourth in the Majors. Crow-Armstrong also tied Fernando Tatis Jr. for the most DRS among qualified NL outfielders (15).
Confusing, no? The data doesn’t seem to match.
At any rate, the Dodgers won a championship with Pages in CF, and in ’26 he should even play better. Many fans want to move Teo to LF, but the idea of giving Rushing a big chunk of LF is interesting. My question is: Why didn’t that happen last season while Conforto was stinking? Even though Rushing had played some LF in the minors, I don’t think he saw any outfield action at all in ’25.
With his cannon, Pages seems born to play RF–and moving him there could help him win a Gold Glove, or at least become a finalist. I still see Duran and Abreu as possibilities, but the Dodgers reported interest in Houston’s Jake Myers, ranked #7 by Mark’s AI, now has me wondering if the Dodgers want a “true” centerfielder.
Teo-Myers-Pages could certainly work.
Ownership is doing exactly what it promised Ohtoni when he deferred his salary, get the best players available and build a World Championship roster every year. The scary part for other teams is that Friedman recently stated the Dodger have more payroll flexibility for 2026. Don’t be surprised if AF trades a player or players for draft picks. Remember the Lux deal. We are the Gold Standard in all of baseball.
The Rule 5 Draft is being held today in Orlando Florida at the MLB Winter Meetings at 2PM ET. Hopefully we draft some Minor League catchers as backups as the cupboard is pretty depleted
Since Kiermaier has retired his range has certainly declined. Pages rated significantly higher than Doyle? Remember, AI is not 0% infallible ( Physicist Neil deGrasse Tyson recently said that for subject matter that he knows well, AI was approximately 85% accurate). User beware.
Great insight Mark. About time Pages’ gets some honest praise. Hopefully he is working on his hitting and keeps his head on straight rather than go down the Puig road and implode.
Nice briefing on Rocco. Great to get an on-field guy to balance out the analyticals.