The commencement of the 2024 season in Seoul is imminent for the Los Angeles Dodgers, yet their roster for the year might still undergo enhancements.
As the Dodgers strive to address persistent defensive shortcomings at shortstop, particularly noticeable during Spring Training, insider Ken Rosenthal of MLB suggests that the front office could pursue a solution through a trade, potentially with the Milwaukee Brewers.
According to Rosenthal’s report in The Athletic, acquiring a shortstop through a trade remains a plausible option for the Dodgers, either before Opening Day or closer to the trade deadline. Rosenthal highlights Willy Adames as a prime candidate, especially given the Milwaukee Brewers’ setback with closer Devin Williams sidelined for approximately three months due to back injuries.
Furthermore, Adames’ impending free agency at the season’s end adds weight to the possibility of a trade. The Brewers may aim to extract trade value for him before he hits the open market, where Tim Britton, another reporter at The Athletic, forecasts a lucrative six-year, $132 million contract.
The Los Angeles Dodgers Might Turn to a Trade to Solve Significant Shortstop Issues
Despite a hefty spending spree exceeding $1 billion during the offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers failed to secure a significant upgrade at shortstop, opting instead to place their trust in homegrown talent Gavin Lux.
Lux, originally slated to assume the position from two-time All-Star Trea Turner last season, faced a setback when a knee injury during Spring Training sidelined him for the entirety of the year. In his absence, Miguel Rojas stepped in and contributed as the team went on to achieve a remarkable 100-game win record.
For the 2024 season, Lux was anticipated to finally seize the opportunity, but persistent defensive issues throughout preseason prompted Manager Dave Roberts to redirect him to second base. This decision saw Mookie Betts, a six-time recipient of the Gold Glove Award as an outfielder, taking on the everyday shortstop role for the first time since his teenage years.
Although Betts exhibits a willingness to tackle any challenge, transitioning to arguably the most demanding defensive position on the diamond on short notice poses a significant learning curve.
Jack Harris, writing for the Los Angeles Times, observed, “Even for a player as exceptionally talented as Betts—a seven-time All-Star widely regarded as one of the most well-rounded players in the game—adapting to a sudden switch to arguably the toughest defensive position is hardly a straightforward path to success.”
A Trade for Willy Adames Can Answer the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Questions at Shortstop
Bringing Adames on board would fortify the Dodgers’ infield, particularly at the demanding shortstop position, while also injecting power into their lineup, especially towards the bottom order.
Known for his defensive prowess, Adames has ranked as the fourth-best defender at shortstop since 2021, as per FanGraphs. Despite batting .217/.310/.407 with 24 home runs and 80 RBIs in 2023, the 28-year-old’s offensive numbers position him firmly in the fourth tier among MLB shortstops.
If Lux successfully anchors second base and Adames assumes duties at shortstop, the Dodgers could potentially relocate Betts to the outfield. This strategic move would alleviate defensive responsibilities on Betts, thereby potentially amplifying his offensive contributions. Additionally, the Dodgers could explore options such as trading Lux or transitioning him to the outfield, allowing Betts to return to second base, a position he occupied in 2023.
Regardless of the specific configuration, acquiring Adames would furnish Manager Roberts and the Dodgers with newfound versatility and adaptability.
“Should the Brewers hint at any willingness to entertain trade talks for Adames, the Dodgers should be swift to engage,” emphasized Katrina Stebbins of Dodgers Way.
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