How Dodgers can best utilize Josue De Paula with Shohei Ohtani problem originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
For the first time since 2023, the Los Angeles Dodgers will not be crowned Major League Baseball's champion.
Surely, the NL West organization will be looking to end up back on top next year with a few minor roster adjustments.
Most of the Dodgers' roster is expected back in 2027, including, of course, Shohei Ohtani at designated hitter.
Top prospect Josue De Paula could play a larger role, but the Dodgers may have to clear space in the outfield.
"There admittedly isn't much that the Los Angeles Dodgers can do other than hope for better years from their core position players, but one thing they can and really must do is clear room for Josue De Paula," FanSided's Zachary Rotman wrote.
"DH is probably De Paula's best position, but with Shohei Ohtani taking up that spot for the long-term future (and rightfully so), the Dodgers need to find room for their 21-year-old phenom in the corner outfield," he added.
In a small sample size of 42 plate appearances, De Paul hit .323 with a homer and three doubles. Facing MLB pitching for the first time, he walked six more times (11) than he struck out (5).
MORE: Dodgers facing tricky question over Shohei Ohtani's future as a two-way player
Rotman suggested the Dodgers contemplate moving on from one of their corner outfielders, but it probably won't be Kyle Tucker.
"Many Dodgers fans would probably love for the team to trade Kyle Tucker away after his wildly disappointing debut season in L.A., but given his contract, the odds of that happening are slim to none," Rotman wrote. "That leaves Teoscar Hernandez as the player likeliest to get dealt, or at least placed in a short-side platoon role, with De Paula playing most of the time against right-handed pitching."
If the Dodgers can find a trade suitor for Hernandez, that would leave De Paula as their likely everyday left fielder and more room for the 21-year-old to grow.
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