Dodgers Rumors: Three concerns the fans should recognize

Concern #2: Center field

Heading into 2017, former All-Star Joc Pederson was primed for a breakout season. Though the 25-year old hit 26 and 25 home runs in 2014 and 2015, his 2016 season was a struggle. He made adjustments during the winter and carried them into Spring Training, where he had a productive run and flashed the potential that made him one of the Dodgers’ top prospects since he entered the organization. Pederson was a 30 home run, 30 stolen base player at AAA and was projected to man center field for a generation in Chavez Ravine.

Though his speed has not manifested on the base paths as a Dodger – 12 career stolen bases in 24 attempts – his defense was always considered above-average. This year, however, his UZR (Ultimate Zone Rating) and Range Factor are both near the bottom of the league. The eyeball test will give you the same information, as the youngster’s diving catches and gap-to-gap coverage seem to wane with each passing month.

In addition, the bat simply isn’t performing any more at the big league level. Pederson seemed to be on the upswing when he returned from the minor leagues in mid-June, batting .304 for the month, but he hit .264 in July and is at a microscopic .032 in August. He has three home runs in his last 84 at-bats and his OPS is .232 for the month.

The good news is that the Dodgers have Chris Taylor and Kiké Hernandez, both of whom are versatile and capable and can play adequately in center field. That said, neither of them are primarily center fielders, and heading into the playoffs the Dodgers would feel much more comfortable as a real center fielder playing the position.

Additionally, starting Taylor in center can open up first base for Adrian Gonzalez, who is set to return this week, which would place Cody Bellinger back in left field. Though Bellinger played well in left field earlier in the season, this would now force the Dodgers to play two players away from their natural positions during the playoffs.

Ideally, Pederson can perform as he was upon his return – but if he does not, it is a fair assumption that he does not make the playoff roster. Though this would be the right decision by the front office, it would be precarious for the Dodgers to head into the postseason without a real center fielder on the roster.