CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 21: James Outman #33 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 21, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

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The Los Angeles Dodgers are best known for acquiring high-priced free agent talent, but they’ve also made a habit of developing young players and finding ways to turn former prospects into valuable pieces elsewhere.

Still, not every promising player in the recent era has managed to sustain their early success in the major leagues. For one former Dodgers outfielder, a promising rookie campaign has now devolved into a series of team changes and roster moves.

His latest decision marks another opportunity to find a fresh start as he approaches the next stage of his career.

Former Los Angeles Dodgers Rookie Star Leaves Detroit Tigers After Season

James Outman, who spent the first several seasons of his major-league career with Los Angeles, has now officially moved on from the Detroit Tigers after a brief run with the organization.

Outman elected free agency earlier this week, according to the official transaction log, ending his time in the Tigers organization after just five months.

Outman initially joined the Tigers as a waiver claim from the Minnesota Twins in early June. The 29-year-old subsequently received an opportunity with his new club, but his offensive production never developed into the kind of contribution the Tigers were hoping to find.

After being designated for assignment in August, Outman cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Toledo. He remained in the organization until the conclusion of the season, when he elected free agency.

“Outman hit just .183 in 100 plate appearances with Detroit,” Charlie Wright wrote for MLB Trade Rumors. “He popped five home runs and stole a pair of bags. Outman saw time at all three outfield spots. He was a neutral defender by Defensive Runs Saved. Strikeouts continue to hold Outman back.”

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The strikeout concerns have become a recurring issue for Outman, limiting his ability to establish himself as a consistent offensive contributor despite his power potential and defensive versatility.

Outman’s departure from Detroit represents another chapter in a career that began with considerably more promise in Los Angeles.

The Dodgers selected Outman in the seventh round of the 2018 MLB Draft out of Sacramento State. He made his major-league debut in 2022 before breaking through as a rookie the following season.

In 2023, Outman appeared in 151 games for the Dodgers, batting .248 with 23 home runs, 70 RBI and 16 stolen bases. He earned National League Rookie of the Month honors twice, in April and August, establishing himself as an exciting young contributor in the Dodgers’ lineup.

Those numbers have proven difficult to replicate. After struggling to maintain that production in subsequent seasons, Outman was traded to Minnesota in July 2025 in exchange for reliever Brock Stewart.

His time with the Twins eventually came to an end as well, leading to the move to Detroit earlier this year.

Now a free agent again, Outman will have another opportunity to find an organization willing to bet on the talent that once made him a promising Dodgers rookie.