After the Los Angeles Dodgers traded James Outman to the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, the center fielder shared a parting message with the franchise on Instagram.
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“To say the last seven years were fun would be a huge understatement. The people I’ve met along the way have helped me grow into the player — and man — that my 12-year-old self would be proud of. It was a dream come true to debut with the team that drafted me, and I’ll forever be grateful to the Dodgers for the opportunity they gave me. I was truly proud to wear Dodger Blue every night,” Outman wrote.
“To the fans, my teammates, and coaches — thank you. I’ll miss you all deeply. While it’s hard to say goodbye, I’m incredibly thankful for every moment we shared. Now, I’m beyond excited to start this next chapter with the Twins . I promise to give my best every single day and represent Minneapolis with everything I’ve got. God Bless.”
The Dodgers drafted Outman with the No. 224 overall pick in the seventh round of the 2018 MLB Draft. He debuted on July 31, 2022 against the Colorado Rockies, exactly three years before Los Angeles would ultimately trade him.
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Outman shined in his rookie season, earning two National League Rookie of the Month honors and a Baseball America Major League All-Rookie Team selection in 2023. His on-base percentage (.353) and runs (86) ranked 22nd in the NL that season.
Outman struggled to find that same success throughout the next two seasons, though, hitting below .150 in 2024 and 2025. He was in and out of the minor leagues before the Dodgers traded him for right-handed reliever Brock Stewart at the deadline.
Outman has shown glimpses of the superstar rookie he used to be. Now, he will join Triple-A St. Paul, and a change of scenery might be the solution he needs to work through some of the issues he has faced in recent years.
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Photo Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
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