The Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up to start the 2024 season in Seoul very soon, but they might still be looking to upgrade their roster. Despite the approaching season, the team is actively addressing defensive issues at shortstop, a problem that has been evident during Spring Training. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal has indicated that the Dodgers could be looking to trade with the Milwaukee Brewers for a solution.
Rosenthal, writing for The Athletic, mentioned, “A trade for a shortstop hardly is out of the question for the Dodgers — if not by Opening Day, then at the deadline.” He highlighted Willy Adames as a potential target, especially since the Brewers’ chances of contending took a hit with the news of closer Devin Williams’ injury, which will sideline him for about three months due to two stress fractures in his back.
Adding to the potential for a trade is Adames’ impending free agency after the season. The Brewers might consider trading him to get value back before he hits the open market. Tim Britton, another writer at The Athletic, projects that Adames could command a six-year, $132 million deal in free agency.
The Los Angeles Dodgers could explore a trade as a solution to their significant shortstop problems.
Despite spending over $1 billion this offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers did not significantly upgrade at shortstop, opting to rely on homegrown prospect Gavin Lux. Lux was slated to take over the position from two-time All-Star Trea Turner last season but was sidelined for the entire year due to a knee injury during Spring Training. The team managed to win 100 games with Miguel Rojas filling in.
Lux was expected to step into the role in 2024, but ongoing defensive issues during preseason forced manager Dave Roberts to move him to second base. Roberts then placed Mookie Betts, a six-time Gold Glove Award-winning outfielder, in the everyday shortstop role for the first time since his teenage years.
Although Betts appears ready for the challenge, transitioning to arguably the most challenging defensive position on short notice presents a significant challenge. As noted by Jack Harris in the Los Angeles Times, even for a player as talented as Betts, this abrupt switch is far from a guarantee of immediate success.
Acquiring Willy Adames through a trade could provide the Los Angeles Dodgers with a solution to their shortstop concerns.
Acquiring Willy Adames could help the Los Angeles Dodgers solidify their shortstop position, which is considered one of the most challenging utility positions on the field, while also adding a potent bat to their lineup.
Adames has been recognized as the fourth-best defender at his position since 2021, according to FanGraphs. In 2023, the 28-year-old posted a .217/.310/.407 slash line with 24 home runs and 80 RBI, placing him in the fourth tier of MLB shortstops.
If Gavin Lux can secure second base and Adames takes over at shortstop, the Dodgers would have the option of moving Mookie Betts back to the outfield. This move would alleviate Betts of a significant defensive burden, potentially unlocking even more offensive production. Alternatively, the Dodgers could explore trading Lux or transitioning him to the outfield, allowing Betts to return to second base, a position he played in 2023.
Regardless of the specific lineup adjustments, adding Adames would provide Manager Dave Roberts and the Dodgers with increased flexibility and options. Katrina Stebbins of Dodgers Way emphasized that the Dodgers should be proactive in pursuing Adames if there is any indication that the Brewers are open to trading him, as this move could greatly benefit their roster.
