The Los Angeles Dodgers went into the offseason facing needs at shortstop and their starting rotation, and the outfield became another area on the roster to address after the team’s decision to non-tender Cody Bellinger.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said there was interest in re-signing Bellinger. However, that entailed competition from other clubs due to the 2019 National League MVP being a free agent, and he wound up signing with the Chicago Cubs.
In addition to the Dodgers having reported interest in top shortstops Xander Bogaerts and Carlos Correa, they also were recently connected to Kevin Kiermaier after the Tampa Bay Rays declined their $13 million team option for 2023.
Now the Dodgers and Rays have interest in Andrew McCutchen, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney:
Andrew McCutchen has drawn interest from the Dodgers, Rays and Reds, as well as the Brewers, as he prepares for his 15th big league season
McCutchen spent this past season with the Milwaukee Brewers, batting .237/.316/.384 with 25 doubles, 17 home runs and 69 RBI over 134 games.
The former All-Star center fielder has primarily played left field since getting traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
After spending three seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies from 2019-2021, McCutchen signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Brewers this past March.
How Andrew McCutchen would fit on Dodgers roster
If the Dodgers were to sign McCutchen, it presumably would be a one-year contract and likely entail the veteran serving as outfield depth and pinch-hit candidate off the bench.
At present time, the Dodgers outfield figures to consist of Chris Taylor, Trayce Thompson and Mookie Betts making everyday starts. James Outman potentially could earn playing time in center field as well, and perhaps Jason Heyward if he makes the roster after being signed to a Minor League contract.
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