James Outman

Outman enjoyed a brief but impactful initial cup of coffee in the majors last season, going 6-for-13 with a homer, two doubles, three RBI and six runs (albeit with seven strikeouts) over four games between July 31 and August 4. He continued to make noise after returning to the minors, most notably by hitting for the cycle twice over a torrid four-game stretch in late August. The Dodgers opted not to bring him back for a September call-up, but that had nothing to do with his play -- in fact, Outman broke out with his best minor-league season, slashing .294/.392/.586 with 31 homers, 106 RBI and 13 thefts between Double-A and Triple-A. The jump in power was notable as Outman hadn't previous hit more than 19 bombs in a campaign, and though that did come with a hefty 27.2% strikeout rate, he continued to display patience at the plate with a 12.5% walk rate. Outman rates as an above-average defender with a strong arm and good speed, and given his development as a hitter, he appears ready to make the jump to the next level. The Dodgers non-tendered Cody Bellinger and also lost Justin Turner and Trea Turner, so opportunities should be available to prospects like Miguel Vargas and Outman. Read Past Outlooks