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James Outman Joins Cody Bellinger, Yasiel Puig on All-Time Franchise List

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Dodgers
By Jacob Zinder | Last updated 8/20/23

James Outman had some big shoes to fill at the start of the season.

After seeing Cody Bellinger leave the Dodgers after a poor couple of years, the still fan-favorite outfielder left a former MVP-sized hole in the middle of the outfield.

James Outman burst on the scene in 2023 by winning the Rookie of the Month award in April.

After a rough couple of months, Outman has tweaked his swing and approach while still remaining an amazing defender patrolling centerfield. The 26-year-old rookie has put his name up with some other great all-time Dodger rookies.

Outman has blazing speed that is shown on defense and on the basepaths stealing 14 bases while only being caught twice.

The rookie also has 15 home runs on the year, which would most likely be much high if he had not had the two horrible months after April where he only hit two in May and none in June.

Outman puts his name one on the list joining Cody Bellinger and Yasiel Puig, both being fan favorites with amazing fielding — Outman is next.

After retooling his approach, Outman has hit to the tune of a .309 average in July while currently hitting a .275 average in August. He's also gained his power back, hitting three home runs in each month.

Since the All-Star break, Outman has a .450 on-base percentage which would be third in the Major League just behind former MVPs Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani.

The young outfielder has been hitting at the bottom of the lineup since the All-Star break allowing him to be comfortable, bringing a bat that can change the game with one swing.

Look for Outman to keep making plays and getting hits all the way into the postseason as the Dodgers look to win another World Series.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Dodgers and was syndicated with permission.

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