“The thlot plickens” is used to comment on escalating situations, like a confusing story, a complex sports situation, or just everyday life getting more complicated. Outfield remains a position of need for the Dodgers, as they are looking to add depth. Questions about Tommy Edman’s health going into the season and a desire for a defensive upgrade over Teoscar Hernandez could lead the Dodgers to pursue an outfielder, whether by trade or free agency.
However, outfielder prospects Josue De Paula, Zyhir Hope, Mike Sirota, James Tibbs III, Kendall George, and Eduardo Quintero are all 22 or younger. None is necessarily expected to debut in 2026. Still, their impending arrival would seem to make it less likely the Dodgers would pay any premium on a multi-year contract for a free agent outfielder.
Is it possible that any of the above Dodger prospects make a splash in 2026? Absolutely!
Likely? No!
In a perfect world, the Dodgers would:
(a) like to trade Teoscar Hernandez, or
(b) move him to LF, where he could platoon with Dalton Rushing or Ryan Ward.
Tommy Edman is coming off ankle surgery, so could he play in CF every day? I have no clue, but the possibility exists that Andy Pages will still have to play CF again in 2026. If so, the Dodgers need a right fielder; they will need at least someone like Lars Nootbar who can hit RHP and who can platoon with Alex Call in RF. Maybe that is the stopgap move the Dodgers need to make? Nootbar is a LH hitter who could flourish in LA in a platoon.
Then we wait for Josue De Paula, Zyhir Hope, Mike Sirota, James Tibbs III, Kendall George, or Eduardo Quintero to post!
Discussion (19)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Ryan O’Hear to Pittsburgh on a 2-year deal.
Merry Christmas Bear! Be safe, we need your knowledge and insight here! Everyone have a wonderful holiday. I’m thinking I want Bichette under my blue Christmas tree!!
Passan:
Full trade, per ESPN sources:
A’s receive: Jeff McNeil and $5.75 million (to help cover his $15.75 million salary; the Mets also would pay his $2 million buyout if his option isn’t exercised)
Mets receive: RHP Yordan Rodriguez
I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. I hope you have a wonderful day filled with love and family. I will be heading back to Colorado this Saturday. Be safe and enjoy.
GO COLTS!!!!
I keep hoping that two of the young OF prospects has a breakthrough but I want that breakthrough to be now via trade. I’d gladly have a CFer today rather than 2 tomorrow. I’ll add a pitcher to get that CFer.
Contreras traded to the Red Sox by the Cardinals.
The Dodgers absolutely need a “proven “ bat! The offense needs a bit of a facelift! A type “A”. Hitter like Bichette injected into that lineup would breathe life into a sometimes listless lineup. Hit him 3rd. Hit him 5th . Hit him anywhere in the lineup! Personally, I would take him over Tucker. Probably cheaper too. Max will b 35. With his injury history , how much can they count on him for an entire season? Dalton can get plenty of bats catching, backing up Freddie, backing up Teo. Kim becomes even more valuable . He can play 3 infield positions, pinch run, even play some outfield. Miguel is probably just a second baseman for the most part. Call ? Part time at best. So yeah , Bichette is the perfect addition for the dodgers!
Dodgers Re-Sign Carlos Duran To Minor League Contract
Awful news. RIP James Ransone, Ziggy Sobotka on The Wire.
An all-time great character.
June 2, 1979 – December 19, 2025
Murakami signed a 2-year deal with the White Sox
Part 2 of Ardaya’s mailbag ($$$)
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6900026/2025/12/19/dodgers-mookie-betts-roki-sasaki/
Dalton Rushing needs a development lane. Has there been any discussion of either load managing Will Smith or even running a two-catcher system as they do in ATL? — Jay O.
First, the Dodgers need to get Dalton Rushing’s swing back to a functional place that doesn’t require everyday at-bats. As of now, it appears that Rushing is set for a similar role as the one he was supposed to have last season. It’s likely not ideal for his development at the plate, but the team is prioritizing continuing his progress in handling a pitching staff first.
That doesn’t mean they won’t look for more at-bats for Rushing. General manager Brandon Gomes floated the idea of more days off at first base for Freddie Freeman, which is one avenue.
Thanks for doing this. With the recent hiring of Rocco Baldelli and his experience in the front office and on the field, what type of projects do you think he will be involved with? Is this a one-year relationship, or do you see it expanding beyond the 2026 season? — Paul D.
The term “special assistant” is usually vague, and that’s because the role tends to be just that. It can mean a lot of things depending on who it is. Jose Vizcaino and Ron Roenicke, for example, are a regular presence at Dodger Stadium, almost as an additional member of the coaching staff.
Chris Archer spent his first few days in the front office in the suite at the Winter Meetings alongside Gomes, getting a feel for planning meetings as much as dealing with player development staffing decisions. Raúl Ibañez will pop in and out of the ballpark and is a more regular presence around the postseason, but is someone whom Andy Pages bounced ideas off of in his breakout year. You’ll see Tyson Ross observing bullpen sessions in spring training.
I’d expect Rocco Baldelli to be around this season. I also would not be shocked whatsoever if he’s interviewing for managerial openings next October.
The White Sox are in agreement with infielder Munetaka Murakami on a two-year deal worth $34MM, according to a report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Passan adds that Murakami is expected to play first base in Chicago.
Andrew seems to make up for our lack of early draft picks by selectively trading (fleecing) for other teams undervalued high upside prospects. You have to give a lot of credit to him and his scouting department for some of the kids he has traded for. I don’t think he is worried about losing a couple of draft picks.
I can’t wait to see who he gets!
I’m for signing Bichette as I’ve said all along. Definitely will be an upgrade to the offense and second base. Losing the third and sixth picks in the July draft doesn’t bother me and no further loss of International money by signing him. AF is now dealing at the top of the market with ownership’s blessing.
I’m not sure that AF & company go into spring training without adding a prominent hitter. whether it’s Bichette, Tucker, Duran, Kwan, or a surprise name nobody’s mentioned yet. Love Tommy Edman. I just see him more as a super utility guy, not an everyday player. And who knows if or even when he’s ready next season. Kike? No clue. Rojas? Valuable yes. but how much production does he have left in his 37 year old body? Call? Had some really good at bats, but is he close to being an impact hitter? Probably not. So yeah, I believe they acquire an impact hitter. Just a question of whom!
I can’t wait to see what happens with our OF prospects.
Dustin May trade was ridic
Don’t forget sleeper Ehrhard