Two trade deadline acquisitions are gradually establishing themselves in the crowded Dodgers outfield.

No rookie expects to be traded. Zach Ehrhard didn't, as he was playing alongside his brother Drew in the Red Sox system's Double-A league, fulfilling a childhood dream. James Tibbs III certainly didn't either, having already been traded once by last July in the blockbuster deal for Rafael Devers.

But that's exactly what happened; both received the news on trade deadline day: they were traded to the Dodgers.

It's uncommon for a team in full contention mode to focus on strengthening its farm system. However, to move Dustin May at last year's trade deadline, General Manager Brandon Gomes acquired two highly-regarded outfield prospects: Tibbs (Dodgers' No. 11 prospect) and Ehrhard (No. 18). Both were named to MLB Pipeline's recently released 2026 Top 100 Prospects list for the team.

“It was really exciting and shocking at the time,” Ehrhard said about the trade. “But I had many great friends supporting me, telling me, ‘Hey man, this could be really good for you, really good for your career. This will be a positive thing.’”

Joining a team that has just completed a World Series repeat presents a reality: opportunities at the Major League level are scarce. While this is generally almost always true, the depth of talent the Dodgers have assembled in the outfield is simply incredible. Kyle Tucker and Teoscar Hernández have combined for six All-Star selections. Josue De Paula (No. 15), Zyhir Hope (No. 27), Eduardo Quintero (No. 30), and Mike Sirota (No. 60) all rank on MLB's Top 100 Prospects list. Charles Davalan (Dodgers' No. 9) was the 41st overall pick in last year's draft. Kendall George (No. 14) possesses elite 80-grade speed, which helped him achieve the feat of 100 stolen bases in 2025.

“Obviously, looking around this room, the talent in the outfield is staggering,” Tibbs said, scanning the locker room. “But I always play with a bit of a chip on my shoulder. Like, ‘Hey, I'm here to win, to prove to you that I belong here.’ For me, competition is just another stepping stone.”

“I don't try to be someone else,” Ehrhard said. “I'm a competitor, I'm a gritty player. I've never been a 50-homer or 100-steal guy per season. I just go out every day and play hard.”

But the flip side is that when an organization demonstrates an ability to develop talent, it can consistently tap into potential within its system. Tibbs, a first-round pick out of Florida State University in the 2024 draft, and Ehrhard, a fourth-round pick from Oklahoma State University, both come from strong college programs. Combine their rookie backgrounds with baseball's widely recognized top-tier development system, and see the results: in 2025, both posted OPS over .850 during their time with Double-A Tulsa and had a hot start in Cactus League games as non-roster invitees.

“The Red Sox had their own philosophy,” Ehrhard said. “But with the Dodgers, what they focus on feels more personalized. They are very specific in pointing out, ‘Okay, you're strong in this area, so let's focus on that.’ … They made some subtle adjustments that have helped me tremendously.”

Adjustments in the batter's box are constantly evolving. Ask Tibbs, who hit .363 as a senior despite not being fully comfortable against left-handed pitchers at that time. Even during that season playing for three different teams, his performance against lefties (.260 batting average, .815 OPS) was better than against righties (.238 batting average, .790 OPS). His improved approach was showcased Monday when he launched a 458-foot home run off Rockies left-hander Welinton Herrera.

“I hate the word ‘platoon,’” Tibbs said. “For me, I want to play every day. I pride myself on everything required to be a baseball player, so lefty-on-lefty is part of that. I've learned to embrace the challenge and have gained a lot from it.”

A year ago, Tibbs and Ehrhard were in different states, having combined for only five plate appearances in spring training games after their respective minor league spring camps. Now, they are roommates, making significant noise within the crowded Dodgers outfield group and striving to earn opportunities.

“I really enjoy being able to play with him, learn from him, and see how he handles things,” Tibbs said about Ehrhard. “He's a great competitor; he motivates me to be a better player every day.”