The commencement of the 2024 season for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Seoul is imminent, yet there remains a possibility of upgrading their roster throughout the season. As they grapple with defensive shortcomings at shortstop observed during Spring Training, insider Ken Rosenthal suggests that the front office may pursue a solution through a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers.
According to Rosenthal’s report for The Athletic, the Dodgers are open to acquiring a shortstop, possibly before Opening Day or by the trade deadline. One potential target is Willy Adames, especially considering the Brewers’ diminished chances of contention following the news of closer Devin Williams’ injury. Williams is expected to miss around three months due to two stress fractures in his back.
Further increasing the likelihood of a trade is Adames’ impending unrestricted free agency at the end of the season. The Brewers might seek to extract trade value for him before he hits the open market, where he’s projected to command a significant contract, as estimated by Rosenthal’s colleague Tim Britton.
The Los Angeles Dodgers Might Turn to a Trade to Solve Significant Shortstop Issues
Despite splurging over $1 billion this offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers fell short of significantly upgrading at shortstop, opting to rely on homegrown prospect Gavin Lux to step into the role. Lux’s anticipated ascent was thwarted last season when a knee injury in Spring Training sidelined him for the entire year. Despite his absence, the team managed to secure 100 wins with Miguel Rojas filling in admirably.
Lux was primed to assume the position for the 2024 season, but persistent defensive issues during preseason disrupted this plan once again. Manager Dave Roberts made the decision to shift Lux to second base and inserted Mookie Betts, a six-time Gold Glove Award-winning outfielder, into the everyday shortstop role, a position Betts hasn’t played regularly since his teenage years.
While Betts appears to embrace the challenge, transitioning to arguably the most demanding defensive position on the diamond at short notice presents a formidable learning curve. As noted by Jack Harris in the Los Angeles Times, even for a player of Betts’ caliber – a seven-time All-Star and widely acknowledged as one of the most well-rounded players in the game – success in such circumstances is far from guaranteed.
A Trade for Willy Adames Can Answer the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Questions at Shortstop
Bringing in Adames would bolster the Dodgers’ infield, particularly at shortstop, a position known for its defensive demands. Adames also brings a capable bat that could fortify the lower end of the Dodgers’ potent batting order.
FanGraphs ranks Adames as the fourth-best defender at the shortstop position since 2021, highlighting his defensive prowess. In the 2023 season, the 28-year-old posted a .217/.310/.407 slash line with 24 home runs and 80 RBIs, placing him firmly among the fourth tier of MLB shortstops in terms of offensive production.
If Lux can maintain stability at second base while Adames assumes duties at shortstop, the Dodgers could consider shifting Betts back to the outfield. This move would alleviate Betts of some defensive responsibilities and potentially enhance his offensive output. Additionally, the team could explore options such as trading Lux or transitioning him to the outfield, enabling Betts to return to second base, a position he occupied in 2023.
Regardless of the specific arrangement, acquiring Adames would grant Manager Roberts and the Dodgers greater flexibility in their lineup configurations.
Katrina Stebbins of Dodgers Way encourages the Dodgers to seize any opportunity that arises regarding Adames, especially if there are indications that the Brewers may entertain offers for him.
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