#outfield-depth

#outfield-depth

Corner outfielder/designated hitter Nelson Velázquez is among the group, indicating they've signed him to a minor league contract. Velázquez, 27, is looking to get back to the majors for the first time in two seasons. He bounced around last year after being outrighted off the Royals' 40-man roster during Spring Training. Kansas City released him in May after he hit .202 across his first 33 Triple-A contests.

Last week, even as the Cubs were signing outfielder Chas McCormick to a minor league deal, Dylan Carlson was spotted working out in Arizona with the team. Fair to wonder, then, whether the Cubs were also going to try to bring in Carlson on a minor league deal as additional depth/upside/bench competition. Greg Zumach hears that, yes, Carlson is coming: There was some ambiguity about whether the Cubs would sign Dylan Carlson with Chas McCormick and Justin Dean in the organization, but it's my understanding Cubs are signing Carlson to an MiLB deal with a ST invite. He's battled health issues, but could be a nice add if healthy. https://t.co/bAQZqJNieJ- Greg Zumach (@IvyFutures) January 24, 2026

The Rangers bounced Harris on and off the active roster for the first few months of this past season. They designated him for assignment at the trade deadline and successfully ran him through waivers. He came back up in September while Adolis García was on the injured list but was outrighted again at the beginning of the offseason. Harris elected free agency the second time around.

Fairchild, 30 in March, was a second-round pick by the Reds back in 2017. He was traded to Arizona as part of the Archie Bradley deal back at the 2020 trade deadline and made his MLB debut with the Diamondbacks in 2021, but made his way back to Cincinnati (after brief pit stops in Seattle and San Francisco) by the end of the 2022.

He's owed $20 million in 2026 (and has a club option for 2027 worth $20 million). Considering he hit .223/.297/.364 (84 wRC+) this past season, it's hard to argue for the 28-year-old outfielder being a net-positive value on his current contract. And yet, that hasn't stopped multiple MLB teams from reportedly contacting the White Sox about his availability. It's really a confounding situation, especially since the Toronto Blue Jays have far more attractive trade chips that could interest any of the teams

The Rangers are looking for several new bats as they look to, as GM Ross Fenstermaker indicated at season's end, improve their on-base percentage and contact skills. Newly installed manager Skip Schumaker has already spoken about finding a new offensive identity. One potential target who had popped up on the Rangers' radar, per Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, was Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar.

The Dodgers signed Conforto to a one-year, $17 million deal before the 2024 season to take over left field, however the veteran All-Star has failed to deliver for LA. Conforto batted just south of the Mendoza Line throughout the season, hitting 12 home runs and finishing the regular season with a .635 OPS. Conforto played 138 of the Dodgers regular season games.

This move automatically puts Fraley on the Braves' 40-man roster, and once he reports to the team, Atlanta can add him to the active 26-man roster, though a corresponding move would need to be made to make room. Fraley also becomes a piece that could help the Braves in 2026, as he still has one more year of arbitration before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2027.

Alex Call's metrics showcase his value, including an 18.5% chase rate in the 97th percentile and a 16.8% whiff rate in the 86th percentile, emphasizing his strong plate discipline.

Austin Slater, acquired by the Yankees from the White Sox, is a versatile outfielder with strong numbers against left-handed pitching, including a .270 batting average.