MLB.com Dodgers beat reporter Sonja Chen took questions from fans in an r/Dodgers AMA on Thursday. The full conversation can be viewed here, but below is a sampling of the best questions and answers, lightly edited for clarity.
Can you shed some light on the Dodgers’ offseason plans for their outfield? … While bullpen help is a clear priority, what are you hearing about how the team plans to get younger/more athletic, particularly in the outfield, as it attempts to three-peat?
I think one of the factors at play is that many of the Dodgers’ top outfield prospects are about a year or two away from the Majors. By 2027, they should theoretically have quite a few younger, more athletic options in the outfield. But what that means for next year, I’m not entirely sure yet. You never know how many prospects will actually pan out at the big league level, but having room for them when the time comes is something the team has to consider — and part of the reason I’d be surprised if the Dodgers made a long-term commitment to Kyle Tucker. I could certainly see them bringing in external outfield help, but I would expect it to be a shorter-term solution.
What do you think of the chances for a reunion with Cody Bellinger? The Dodgers are in need of an outfielder, and he is likely to ask for fewer years on a contract than Tucker.
I could see the fit there, especially since Bellinger has the added flexibility of being able to move over to first base (which could help with the prospects on the rise). But other teams might be willing to offer more years, especially if Tucker signs first and Bellinger becomes the next-best option on the market.
What’s one storyline you’re intrigued by for this offseason and Spring Training?
I’m really interested in seeing Roki Sasaki’s move back to the rotation. His stuff played so much better in his return to relief that I’m wondering how that will translate to starting. I think a full offseason with the Dodgers could make a difference, too.
How much English does Yoshinobu Yamamoto speak/understand? I always thought he was completely reliant on his translator, so I was surprised when he gave that speech in English at the parade.
I haven’t really had a conversation with him in English, but he definitely speaks and understands a fair amount. Many players who don’t speak English as a first language have a pretty good grasp on the language, but they feel more comfortable speaking through an interpreter for interviews or mound meetings, etc.
If you weren’t a beat writer for the Dodgers, what would be the next most interesting team in your opinion you would like to write for?
I love a good storyline, and I think it would be really interesting to cover a team winning its first World Series (Rays, Rockies, Mariners, Brewers, Padres). I’d also go so far as to say it would be interesting to cover a smaller-market team that doesn’t win much — basically the polar opposite of the Dodgers — because that really forces you to dig deep to find good stories. At the same time, I could see that getting old around Game 120 of the regular season.
What’s your favorite food city and the best thing you ate on the road?
This might be recency bias, but I thought Toronto was a great food city. So many restaurants from a bunch of different cuisines within walking distance from the ballpark. I had a great Italian sandwich from a place called Alfie’s on Baldwin Street, which had a lot of other places I want to try next time I’m there!
