Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes Has High Hopes For New Outfielder Manuel Margot
The Dodgers' biggest trade of the off-season saw veteran starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow arrive from the Tampa Bay Rays. For a team that needed starting pitching help, Glasnow is a perfect fit.
Veteran outfielder Manuel Margot was also included in the Rays' package for Ryan Pepiot and Jonny DeLuca. While he represented a salary dump for the budget-conscious Rays, Margot does provide some value to the Dodgers.
General manager Brandon Gomes broke down the thinking behind bringing Margot in, and what his role will be this season.
"The ability to play anywhere is super helpful," Gomes said. "Our sense is that he will get a ton of reps."
Margot will likely be used in a platoon in right field with recently re-signed outfielder Jason Heyward. A right-handed hitter, Margot figures to get the most starts against left-handed pitching, while Heyward will take the brunt of at-bats against righties.
The Dodgers love to deploy players in this manner to maximize their strengths and minimize their weaknesses. He's also a solid defender, giving them a flexible piece to add to their already strong outfield depth chart.
Margot, 29, is a career .281/.341/.420 hitter against left-handed pitching, and provides L.A. with a disciplined approach at the plate. Margot can also be an asset on the basepaths, having stolen 91 bases in 130 attempts over his career.
"The fact that he's an elite defender and puts together a good at-bat in the box is very helpful."
Last season with the Rays, Margot hit .264 with four home runs and 38 runs batted in. He doesn't provide much power, but he is a solid contact hitter.
Margot could be a valuable role player for the Dodgers next season. With only one guaranteed year at $10 million left on his contract, the Dodgers will try to maximize his value while they have him.
