Dodgers struggling outfielder 'destined to be packaged in a trade'

The Los Angeles Dodgers have already made two big moves this week, designating Austin Barnes and Chris Taylor for assignment. However, changes could continue to happen as players return from injury.

The Dodgers have already got Tommy Edman back from the injured list. However, instead of optioning someone like Hyeseong Kim back down, the team released Taylor. When Teoscar Hernández returns, the Dodgers will once again have to make a roster move. The move will be easier as they can just send James Outman down, but FanSided's Katrina Stebbins believes the team could try and trade him.

"He's only appeared in nine games since he was called up in Hernández's absence, but he's batting .125 with a .597 OPS and has struck out 13 times in 24 at-bats," wrote Stebbins. "A player who once looked like he could turn into an instrumental building block in the team's future is an afterthought now, and seems destined to be packaged in a trade that will let some other team try to figure out what went wrong after his rookie season."

Outman once looked like the Dodgers' long-term replacement for Cody Bellinger. He slashed .248/.353/.437 in his rookie year. He hit 23 home runs and had 70 RBIs. However, since then, he has hit .144 and has spent a great deal of time back in the minor leagues. When Hernández returns, the Dodgers will have no need for him even as a depth piece.

Hyeseong Kim has impressed after being called up. He signed a three-year, $12.5 million deal in the offseason, and can play in the outfield. Even if the Dodgers keep Kim on the bench, he would be a better fourth outfielder than Outman. In fact, Kim could even threaten Michael Conforto's job as a starter.

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Outman's call-up in the wake of Hernández's injury was a great opportunity for him to show the Dodgers he can still be a key player. However, another poor stint in the big leagues has likely sealed his fate with the organization.

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