2015 Dodgers review: Jose Tabata

Jose Tabata began 2015 with the Pirates, but ended up in the Dodgers' organization. Even though he didn't play in the big leagues for Los Angeles in 2015, Tabata could end up paying dividends going forward.

What went right

The Dodgers acquired Tabata from the Pirates on July 31 for Michael Morse, essentially converting the $8 million Morse was due in 2016 into the outfielder, sending cash to Pittsburgh to offset the difference in salaries.

Tabata hit .327/.375/.519 with two home runs, four doubles and three strikeouts in his first 18 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City.

What went wrong

Tabata had no extra-base hits in his 41 major league appearances with the Pirates, though he hit .289 with a .341 on-base percentage. He was designated for assignment at the end of June and sent outright to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Tabata ended his season in a 3-for-37 (.081) slump in Triple-A with 10 strikeouts and four walks.

2015 particulars

Age: 26

Stats: .225/.286/.337, 2 HR, 8 BB in 28 games for Triple-A Oklahoma City

Salary: $4 million, of which the Dodgers were responsible for roughly $1.44 million.

Game of the year

Tabata was 3-for-4 with a double on Aug. 13 for Oklahoma City at New Orleans.

Roster status

Tabata is off the 40-man roster, but is due $4.5 million in 2016, so at a minimum figures to be kept around at the very least as minor league depth. The Dodgers hold club options on Tabata for 2017, 2018 and 2019, each year with a $250,000 buyout.

It seems reasonable to expect that Tabata will get a non-roster invitation to big league camp in spring training, though that hasn't been confirmed.

He has four years, 115 days of major league service time and, should he find his way back to the 40-man roster, Tabata is out of options, having used them in 2009, 2010 and 2012.