There was a time when James Outman was considered to be one of the Los Angeles Dodgers' outfielders of the future. He was competing for a starting spot during spring training in 2023, and some even felt as if he could become a star. After a respectable 2023 campaign, however, Outman dealt with some injury concerns and overall underperformance. Fast forward to 2026, and the outfielder is now with the Minnesota Twins after LA moved on from him during the '25 season.

Outman appeared in 37 games with the Twins in 2025, but he hit just .147. Minnesota is giving him another opportunity during 2026 spring training, though, and the 28-year-old outfielder is making the most of the opportunity. Is Outman finally finding his 2023 form -- when he recorded a .790 OPS and hit 23 home runs en route to finishing third in National League Rookie of the Year voting?

Outman has appeared in eight games this spring with the Twins. Overall, he is slashing .333/.400/.619 to go along with two home runs, six RBI, six runs scored, three walks and five stolen bases. He has recorded a 1.019 OPS as well.

Outman looks like a player who is doing everything he can to prove he belongs in the big leagues. The Twins are not expected to compete in 2026 and their roster is not especially deep, so one has to imagine that Outman will have a tremendous opportunity to make the Opening Day roster. 

Making the team is one thing, but can Outman bounce back in 2026?

Playing for the Dodgers in Los Angeles is something many players dream of. It is also something that comes with an extreme amount of pressure and expectations. The trade to the Twins provided a fresh start for Outman. While he did not find success immediately after the deal, he has now had a full offseason to get comfortable with his new situation. 

A fresh start may have been exactly what Outman needed. After all, this is a player who has displayed signs of serious potential in the past. When healthy, Outman is a guy who can handle defensive duties in the outfield at a respectable level, hit for power from the left side of the plate and cause havoc on the base paths.

It could be a difficult overall season for the Twins, but James Outman may be on the verge of a big season.