BREAKING NEWS: Dodgers devising major trade strategy for their anticipated $132 million shortstop: insider.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up for the start of the 2024 MLB season this week, facing the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea. However, there’s uncertainty surrounding a crucial roster spot.

Following defensive concerns observed during Spring Training, Gavin Lux, initially expected to play shortstop, has been shifted to second base. This move paved the way for Mookie Betts, a seven-time All-Star, to take on the shortstop role full-time, a position he hasn’t regularly played since high school.

Depending on Betts’ adaptation to this new position, the Dodgers may explore acquiring Willy Adames from the Milwaukee Brewers to bolster their lineup. Adames, who is set to become a free agent after the season, is being eyed as a potential solution if Betts’ performance at shortstop raises doubts for the Dodgers. This insight comes from Bob Nightengale’s report in USA Today.

The Los Angeles Dodgers Have Been Connected to a Willy Adames Trade This Offseason

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Willy Adames has emerged as an “obvious target” for the Dodgers, especially with the Milwaukee Brewers’ playoff aspirations taking a hit following closer Devin Williams’ injury. Adames, recognized as one of the top three fielding shortstops last season according to FanGraphs, could provide an immediate solution for the Dodgers if they perceive defensive struggles during Mookie Betts’ transition.

Rosenthal points out the potential risk in Betts’ move to shortstop, acknowledging that despite his exceptional athleticism, his defensive performance might be subpar. This concern stems from Betts’ limited experience at shortstop in recent years, having not regularly played the position since his time in A ball back in 2013.

As the season’s outset approaches, Betts’ suitability for the shortstop position remains uncertain. Although he has committed two errors in Spring Training (compared to Lux’s three), his fielding percentage stands at a respectable .917, and he has executed three double plays. Nonetheless, given the Dodgers’ significant offseason investments exceeding $1 billion, they may opt to make strategic moves if they believe it enhances their chances of winning the championship in 2024.

Willy Adames Would Be an Instant Defensive Upgrade for the Los Angeles Dodgers

Adames secured a one-year, $12.25 million contract with the Brewers in January, avoiding arbitration. His proficiency in a pivotal infield role is widely recognized, with projections by Tim Britton of The Athletic suggesting he could command a substantial six-year, $132 million deal in free agency.

Aside from his impressive defensive capabilities, Adames also contributes decently with the bat. In 2023, he posted a slash line of .217/.310/.407 with 24 home runs. His most notable season came in 2021 after his trade from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Brewers, where he slashed .262/.337/.481. While these numbers may not be outstanding, they surpass those of the Dodgers’ other internal shortstop option, Miguel Rojas, who posted a slash line of .236/.290/.322 last season.

There’s a possibility that Adames could be acquired at a reasonable price. Earlier in the offseason, the Brewers traded former Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes, who is also in his walk year, to the Baltimore Orioles for Joey Ortiz, DL Hall, and a Competitive Balance Draft pick. This suggests a potential acquisition cost that the Dodgers, boasting one of the strongest farm systems in MLB, could afford.

Matt Levine’s report for Inside The Dodgers emphasizes the potential benefits of adding Adames to the roster. Not only would he solidify the shortstop position, but he would also allow Betts to return to second base. This scenario would enable the Dodgers to retain their high-paid superstar in Betts on the right side of the infield while addressing any uncertainties about Lux’s long-term suitability at shortstop.