Dodgers Eye Lars Nootbaar as Offseason Outfield Target Amid Quiet Winter
LOS ANGELES - It’s been a relatively quiet winter for the two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers, but don’t mistake that for inactivity. While the front office hasn’t made a flurry of moves just yet, the groundwork is clearly being laid - and the outfield appears to be the next big focus.
So far, Los Angeles has only made two notable additions: locking down All-Star closer Edwin Díaz and bringing back veteran infielder Miguel Rojas. But when you’re a team with championship expectations and a front office led by Andrew Friedman, silence in December often means something is brewing.
According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, the Dodgers have zeroed in on Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar as a top trade target. That’s not a surprise.
Nootbaar fits the mold of a player the Dodgers typically covet - versatile, disciplined at the plate, and under team control. He’s not the only name connected to L.A., either.
Free agents Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker have been floating around the rumor mill, but Nootbaar’s name has gained traction as the Dodgers weigh trade options.
Friedman didn’t name names during Díaz’s introductory press conference, but he did make it clear: the Dodgers are looking to bolster their position player depth. And with left field still an open question, Nootbaar could be the solution.
The 26-year-old is coming off a season where he played a career-high 135 games, slashing .234/.325/.361 with 24 doubles, 13 home runs, and 48 RBIs. While those numbers don’t jump off the page, it’s his plate discipline that stands out - Nootbaar has consistently shown an advanced eye, drawing walks at a high clip and giving his team quality at-bats. That’s the kind of offensive profile that tends to play well in a deep, balanced Dodgers lineup.
The fit makes sense beyond the stat sheet. Nootbaar’s left-handed bat could help balance out a righty-heavy outfield, and his ability to play all three outfield spots adds flexibility - a trait the Dodgers have long valued.
If acquired, he’d likely slot into left field, filling a hole that’s been lingering since the end of the 2025 season. It would be a move reminiscent of last year’s addition of Michael Conforto - a player brought in to stabilize the corner outfield and lengthen the lineup.
Of course, there are some question marks. Nootbaar underwent surgery on both heels in October and may miss the start of the 2026 season.
That’s not ideal, especially for a team looking to hit the ground running in April. But with Nootbaar under team control through 2027 via arbitration, the Dodgers could be playing a longer game here - one where short-term patience yields long-term value.
Meanwhile, another familiar face could be returning to Chavez Ravine. Kiké Hernández is expected to re-sign with the club, though the timing may hinge on roster logistics. Hernández had surgery on his left elbow and is projected to miss Opening Day, so the Dodgers are likely to wait until Spring Training to place him on the 60-day injured list before finalizing a deal.
As the calendar inches toward January, the Dodgers are still very much in the mix for upgrades - and while the headlines have been quiet, the front office is clearly active behind the scenes. If they can land Nootbaar, it would be another calculated move in a winter that’s just getting started.