The Los Angeles Dodgers have unsurprisingly been asked about the availability of Gavin Lux, the Dodgers’ minor league player of the year for 2019. Thus far, understandably, suitors have been turned away, per MLB Network Insider Jon Heyman. Granted, this isn’t shocking news in and of itself, but it is telling of the Dodgers’ mindset on the eve of the winter meetings.
Lux, 22, is coming off a monster season that saw him hulk out for a .347/.421/.607 line in 113 games across Double-A and Triple-A (which included a monstrous-even-for-the-PCL .719 SLG and 188 wRC+ in 49 games in Triple-A). He didn’t disappoint in a cup of coffee with the big league club, holding his own at .240/.305/.400 in 23 games of uneven playing time. He proved capable enough to make the playoff roster and earn the start in games 2 and 4 in the NLDS versus the Nationals.
It’s not surprising that the Dodgers would make a point to hang onto the young star, but doing so doesn’t exactly jibe with their rumored interest in free agent Anthony Rendon. Justin Turner has made clear his openness to moving around the diamond, and while it’s certainly nice to be reminded that chivalry is not yet dead, it’s not obvious where Turner would move if the Dodgers are indeed intent on making Lux a part of their core moving forward.
A Corey Seager trade could open a spot with Lux taking over at short, Max Muncy taking full-time duties at second and Turner moving to first. Chris Taylor, Enrique Hernandez, and NL MVP Cody Bellinger are capable of filling in around the infield as needed. But as good as Rendon is, Seager himself was a 4.0 bWAR player in 2019, and it would seem that the Seager/Lux/Muncy/Bellinger/Taylor/Hernandez/Turner septet already provides the perfect amount of wholesale injury coverage and star power. Swapping in Rendon for Seager cuts their shortstop options by one, and while they’d still probably be two injuries away from any real panic, it’s still a little hard to fathom why swapping in Rendon and his presumably monstrous contract makes sense – unless the goal is simply to keep the development train moving by restocking the lower levels via trade.
They could certainly sign Rendon – or Josh Donaldson, for that matter – and shop one of their other infielders, but there’s not a natural fit on that front either. Turner and Muncy have been central figures to the culture and success of the Dodgers in recent seasons, and it’s frankly jarring to imagine either one suiting up elsewhere. Moving Taylor or Hernandez neither frees up at-bats nor brings back a significant prospect haul.
The logical conclusion is that the Dodgers’ interest in Rendon is probably more smoke than fire. President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman has made a point of avoiding lavish and reactionary spending, and a Rendon signing would appear to qualify as both. Luxury tax estimates (per Roster Resource) peg the Dodgers at around $176MM for the upcoming season, which would make it difficult to fit Rendon under the tax line. Their longer-term financial picture is more flexible, however, with only ~$93MM on the books for 2021 and ~$33MM the year after.
The Dodgers did suffer a particularly tough playoff defeat in 2019, and after seven years of making the playoffs and coming home without a ring, it’s fair to wonder if the disciplined roster building that’s become the brand of these Los Angeles Dodgers might finally break under the strain of those playoff defeats. Andrew Friedman is also one of the more creative thinkers in the game and if there’s a way to make this work, he’s sure to find it. But it’s also not hard to see why they’d keep on keeping on with business as usual.
I think there has to be an upgrade a SS. It appears that what we see is what we get with Seager. I’d see if I can get another team with cap space and call up the cubs or Indians for a 3 team deal. For the cubs, ask for Beaz and have the 3rd team take on Heyward. Obviously prospects would have to be involved. The same goes for Cleveland’s Lindor.
Still try to trade Joc, sign the Oakland reliever that was non-tendered, see what the Mets want for Diaz.
Dodgers have deep pockets and a deep farm system. Team needs to be shaken up a little
Seager was the 4th best SS in the NL last year.
That’s too bad, other teams will offer him a contract for more than 4 years when he’s a free agent in 2022. Better trade him now then.
And was on year one of coming back from 2 magor surgeries. Seager will be Seager again this year and I hope it’s in Dodger Blue.
Seager is a pretty damn good shortstop so I don’t know that this “see is what you get stuff is about” . The Dodgers just need to focus on their pitching , it’s really the only thing they’ve had a problem with for the last couple years .
They should go all in with their assets this year and see what happens , the core isn’t gonna be young forever so the time for being prude about what prospects/extra resources stay and go is over . Flip em all for experienced pitching and sign Cole and maybe trade for Duffy, Gray or Means
Seager was returning from TJ surgery last year. He still hasn’t tapped into his full power. Lindor is probably a better career SS but Seager is as good or better a hitter. Not exactly the type of upgrade worthy of what the Indians are asking.
Yeah, I don’t see a yawning gap between Lindor and Seager, particularly given the fact that Seager is not that far removed from multiple major injuries. I’d focus on the outfield as a place for lineup balance. I loved seeing Joc blast those 36 homers, but he can’t hit lefties and isn’t a full-time player. If he could be moved for a nice bullpen piece and a prospect, I’d do that, Then, flip that prospect and another for Baltimore’s Trey Mancini. Your new lineup: 1. Lux, 2B, left, 2. Seager, SS, left, 3. Turner, 3B, right, 4. Bellinger, RF, left, 5. Mancini, LF, right, 6. Muncy, 1B, left, 7. Pollock/Verdugo, CF, right/left platoon. 8. Smith, C, right. You could sub in Taylor or Hernandez if Lux struggles…Re-sign Ryu. Pass on the monster deal for Cole and see if Strasburg wants an extra $20M or so to return to CA…
Seager was a 4.0 bWAR player less than a yr removed from TWO MAJOR surgeries. Man, those are some ridiculously hard expectations you have.
Two major surgeries = injury prone?
Its very hard to upgrade from Seager at SS and there is no such thing as cap space. Horrendous take.
Yes, who wants a shortstop that knocks in almost 90 runs and scores 80 in less than 500 at bats? He’s a good defender and has two more years of team control. Corey Seager is a solid MLB player. Dodgers need another starting pitcher for the playoffs that can strike people out.
Sign Donaldson to 3 years $75 mill
Trade Seager, Striplin , Garlik ,Joc and Ruiz to Cleveland for Lindor and either Hand or Kluber
And keep Ryu and bring Hill back for cheap for 1 year
I don’t think CLE or LAD make that deal (Kluber missed the whole year w Injury, they won’t move Hand, and don’t want Joc’s $9MM paycheck, and LAD wouldn’t move both Seager and Ruiz unless it was Lindor and Hand both).
Im not against the bring back Ryu/Hill idea tho.
Why would a team trade their short stop for another short stop and spare parts ,
Here let me fix that :
Seager, Muncy, Gonsolin, May, Beaty for Lindor, Hand, Zimmer, Plutko
Fantasy
No. Silly trade.
My guess (having watched a ton of Dodger games) it would be a near 5 way split of playing time between the 4 spots.
Rendon/Donaldson would play 3rd 4/5 of the time.
Seager would play SS 4/5 of the time.
Turner would play 1B 3/5 of the time, 3B 1/5 of the time.
Muncy and Lux would split all the time at 2B, with Lux picking up 1/5 of the time at SS and Muncy picking up 2/5 of the time at 1B.
Would give the team the injury depth they value, and always have a lethal bat on the bench for PH and 2x switches.
Pretty sure no one is giving $35 million a year to someone like Renson only to play them 130 games.
If they’re that reluctant to trade Lux or any of the other top prospects, a possible trade scenario is to acquire Mookie Betts, and add a third team where they can Trade Joc and Muncy to that third team, and minimize the prospect capital given to the Red Sox….
I think the dodgers should be focused on pitching though. I get that they want to improve the offense, at this point it’s very marginal.
Their offense is marginal? They set the NL record in homers last year. Their offense is fine. They need better relief pitching. And maybe a starter.
No, the upgrades they can make to their offense seem marginal. It doesn’t seem worth it
Why Muncy?
Yeah I’m sure the Dodgers are very interested in trading a player who has been a top 30 hitter in MLB for the last 2 seasons and isn’t even in arbitration yet.
People on this website either don’t understand how modern MLB teams value players, or they actually don’t know anything about players outside their favorite teams.
Or both.
If the dodgers don’t feel comfortable bringing up Keibert until mid season, I’d go out and sign Maldonado to be the backup. Barnes can be the third guy and play some 2B and 3B. It’s possible since rosters open to 26 players. And who knows, what if Will Smith struggles, are they really going to rely on Austin Barnes? I think they need a vet behind the dish especially for the postseason. Might as well sign him now rather than trade for him mid season.
Curious why fans lately seem intent on LA moving Seagar. He’s about as solid of a SS as there is in the NL and under control for another 2y. Has he let the Dodgers know he’s after too much $$$ or something with regards to an extension? Example is his bat and glove compare to Xander bogaerts, he who just signed for 6/120m.. If was LA, would be pretty happy with what have.
Simply because of the Francisco Lindor rumors. I think the move makes little sense. Lindor is great but we are one Seager injury removed from pre 2018 where we viewed Lindor and Seager as interchangeable in their rankings. Seager is a good enough SS for a WS winning team.
Well to be fair, fans get impatient and aren’t the greatest talent evaluators. Lindor has developed in front of our eyes, whereas Seager spent significant time playing through injury and subsequently being shelved because of it. Although, Seager is going to see a full year removed from surgery, and have a full healthy off season which should be huge.
In terms of the bat Seager probably holds the edge in that category, although you’ll see Lindor leave the park more often, but it’s hard to say seeing as Seager was derailed by the mainly the TJ and subsequently the hamstring as it looked like he started to get back to himself mid season. Lindor defensively holds the edge. Seager is more about defensive positioning and making the routine plays, where as Lindor is a plus defender with better range. They are difficult to compare due to injury, but right now it’s hard to argue against Lindor. All in all Seager seems to be at that proverbial make or break year. I understand people gravitating towards a superstar, but seems to premature to throw dirt on Seager. Which works, because there’s little doubt the Dodgers would sell low point on Seager, and I somewhat doubt Lindor’s availability at least until the TDL.
What ur doing is comparing Seager to the probable best SS in the game in Lindor and that’s not fair. Why does a team need to have the best at every position might I ask? is the persecution of Seagar that bad locally? if so, it reminds me of how bad Mike greenwell was hammered, forcing him to retire at 33y young with his excellent career since he would play nowhere else but boston, even hitting .right at .300 his final season due to constant media nit picking everything he did.
Believe LA should count blessings they have such a fine SS and concentrate efforts elsewhere to improve.
They’re persecuting him for 8 SOs in 5 games – yep 5 games. Same clowns that ran over Kershaw’s jersey after game 5.
You are assuming the average Dodger fan is represented by the goofballs on here. They aren’t. The average Dodger fan adores Seager. The goofballs on here want to blow the team up and fire the manager.
Stockholm Syndrome.
The Dodgers’ situation is such that any upgrade will involve replacing a pretty good player.
I don’t think Seager’s that likely to be moved, but he has always been philosophically out of step with the way the Dodgers conduct themselves at the plate (he’s very first-pitch aggressive, doesn’t see a lot of pitches), and because he’s not a launch angle guy he has not capitalized on the juiced ball environment like many other players.
Seager’s bat hasn’t really changed ALL that much in his injury, but a SS who can hit 15-20 home runs and a lot of doubles is no longer hands down an all-star, and Seager’s gotten less benefit out of the current offensive environment than many others. This makes his contribution look (relatively) lesser, but would also make him (relatively) more valuable if the ball goes back to less juiced heights.
But the reality is that the Dodgers have a roster that will project to win 95-100 games if they do absolutely nothing all off-season besides keep everyone on the team alive. Any noticable ‘upgrade’ to such a roster is going to involve replacing a player who is quite good.
TC – It’s “jibe,” not “jive.”
The v and b are so close together!
Tell me about it…I once informed my dissertation advisor that his comments “jived well” with those received from another prof. Sounds stupid now, but at the time I worried that he didn’t believe me about the finger slip.
Also have to point out that “reactionary” doesn’t mean in reaction to something, it means opposed to all reform, deeply conservative. It’s a frequently misused word.
Constantly on this site, getting tired of pointing it out. On sports talk radio a lot, too.
Also, “regression” is often used in sports writing as a synonym for decline, when its actual primary definition is a return to a mean or average or a prior state. A player’s performance can be said to have regressed if has declined or improved to his average.
Imagine trying to move a doubles machine away because you don’t want to give him a market value extension and making sure you’re always announced in the press as the 3rd team on every free agent, all while spending 100 million dollars building a beer pavilion.
Seager is not the best defender and chokes in the playoffs (like all Dodgers). Also, they are too lefty heavy. His JD Drew attitude has to go.
This is a bit of a shortsighted analysis of the Dodgers infield. The Dodgers are not going to worry about the presence of Turner on the roster for one year, over a six year deal for Anthony Rendon.
An infield of Muncy at first, Lux at second, Seager at shortstop, and Rendon at third base over the next five or six years is pretty solid. The fact that Turner is under contract for 2020 is just a small factor in a five or six year plan. The Dodgers love depth and Turner is oft-injured, so adding Rendon is really a perfect fit over the next five or six years.
The Dodgers don’t need Rendon as much as they need a SP like Cole, Strasburg or Ryu. Scoring runs hasn’t been a problem in LA for quite a while. Not knocking Rendon (Who would?), but more critical needs lie elsewhere. To wit, the rotation and the bullpen.
Besides, I think Rendon is gonna sign with the Phillies. They need a 3B and have the cheese to get the deal done.
Scoring has been a problem in the playoffs. The lineup has too many lefties. Elite bat speed and contact skills are what’s needed. That’s one of the reasons why Rendon and Donaldson are being considered. The odd man out is not Turner or Muncy – proven big leaguers. The odd man out in the case of a 3B signing would be Lux. Turner probably goes to 1B with Muncy going over to 2B. Seager is at SS, and Lux is in…OKC until someone gets hurt.
Indians can’t trade Lindor unless they get an absolute haul. Dodgers aren’t exactly desperate for a SS with Seager and Lux. If the Indians want to throw in the towel on their 90+ win 2020 season already and also drop the price for Lindor, then I’m sure the deal has a shot.
Dodgers need some more pitching not a SS to replace the young stud we have(who should be healthy this year after having 2 major surgeries a few years ago). We sign Cole or Strasburg to go with Kershaw, Buehler, Urias, and Maeda. Trade or sign for bullpen help. Take chances on Dellin Batances and Blake Trident. And play Turner 3rd, Seager SS, Lux 2nd, Muncy 1st, Bellinger RF, Verdugo CF, and Joc/POLLACK LF. Unless we work a trade for Betts, Yelich, or any other Stud outfielder to fit in with Verdugo and Bellinger. Yes Yelich might be a pipe dream , but who thought Boston would shop Betts, Indians would shop Lindor, or A’s would trade Donaldson. Shit happens sometimes
Unless one follows the Dodgers pretty regularly, it can be confusing as to what’s going on with all of these rumors. The short answer is not to expect much will happen. However, some things are possible.
The Dodgers will not trade Justin Turner because he is the heart and soul of the team. and the unofficial team captain. Trading him would really hurt team morale. He will be a Dodger for the rest of his career.
The Dodgers will not trade Max Muncy. I have seen a few dozen comments on this site about this, and it’s pure fantasy. The Dodgers are so very proud of discovering Muncy. He is now expected to hit 30-plus homers per season, and he has cemented himself into Dodger/Giant rivalry lore with last year’s comment to Bumgarner. (By the way, I expect the Giants will re-sign Bumgarner.)
The Dodgers will try to trade Joc Pederson, Corey Seager, Alex Verdugo, Keibert Ruiz, and perhaps one of the excess secondary starters like Ross Stripling, Tony Gonsolin, and yes, even Julio Urias, who I believe is also being shopped. However, the Dodgers will not move Dustin May at this time, Urias used to be in this category but I don’t think he is any longer.
If they can’t move Pederson, they’ll try harder to move Verdugo. Pederson is expected to hit about 30-plus home runs per season, and he is good in the clubhouse and in the communuity. As for Seager, it’s not his injury history so much as it is that he is the one regular who will only play one position. Even Russell Martin played multiple spots in 2019. The fact that Seager won’t play anywhere but shortstop is likely making the Dodgers, especially Andrew Friedman, sour on him. He also bats left-handed.
If Lux could only hit right-handed (he throws right, after all). he would undoubtedly be the primary 2020 Dodger shortstop. There would be no thought of the Dodgers trying to get Lindor.
The Dodgers signed AJ Pollock because he bats right. The Dodgers are overloaded with left-handed hitters and need more right-handed bats on a daily basis besides Turner and Pollock. Anthony Rendon bats right-handed. This is why I believe he is more desirable to the Dodgers than even the two star starting pitchers. Besides, the Dodgers don’t really seem to want any of their pitchers earning more than Clayton Kershaw. This has been true for the past several years, and I think this policy will last a bit longer.
While it’s still unlikely because of the cost, I think it is more possible that they sign Rendon, leaving Cole and also Strasberg for others. The Dodgers would then re-sign Ryu and probably Hill.
The Dodgers will try to get Lindor and Hand from Cleveland without trading Lux or May. I don’t think it will work, but it all depends on who the Dodgers offer the Indians. Who knows? Perhaps Cleveland can still be impressed with a deal that doesn’t include Lux and May. or else one which possibly includes a third team which can use who the Dodgers wish to trade.
For Stan Kasten and Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers go into these negotiations from a position of strength, whether it is actual or merely imagined. The Dodgers could really use a right-handed power hitter, and two solid bullpen pieces. Ryu doesn’t really want to ever leave, and the Dodgers have to come to grips that they need to offer him more than they would like. Because he is a long time Dodger, this front office has demonstarted a willingness to go the extra mile for a home grown talent, or else somebody like Turner or Muncy who the Dodgers made into stars.
Kasten and Friedman really trust the fact that the current roster is good enough to get to the playoffs, and that’s what matters to them most of all. Once in the playoffs, anything can happen. “Look at the Nationals just about six weeks ago,” they tell themselves and anyone else who will listen. The Dodgers keep bringing up the young talent, and some of the teams they will try to trade with are tantalized by the possibilities these young prospects project. And Kasten and Friedman know this, and use it without any fear of failure. To them, the worst that can happen is that the 2020 Dodgers, with a few minor exceptions, are the same as the 2019 Dodgers.
Great insight except for who you think is on the trade block. No reason to sell low and trade Seager. Coming back from 2 major surgeries and he had a respectable season. I expect a great year from him this coming season. And Alex Verdugo won’t be going anywhere either. He’s a plus defender, high contact, high energy cost controlled centerfielder. I’d argue that if we have him in the NLDS they beat the Nats. Makes no sense to trade years of him and keep a talented but flawed Pederson for one more.
The problem is that 1 year of a non-superstar player isn’t worth very much.
Pederson is available, but he’s probably not 1/6th as valuable as ‘selling low’ on Seager on the trade market.
Moving Pederson isn’t exactly about the return, it’s more of a money saving roster spot opening move. He’s an expensive platoon player for the dodgers. A team like the White Sox or the Indians could use a respectable outfielder with 30 HR power though.
Agreed Killjoy!
Thank you, Killjoy. I don’t see both Pederson and Verdugo with the Dodgers in 2020 unless the front office decides to stand pat for the most part. I would rather the Dodgers retain Verdugo, but I don’t think they are totally against keeping Pederson and moving Verdugo. It’s their second choice, but if it can be beneficial to move Verdugo, let’s say in a trade for Lindor for example, I think Verdugo will be dealt. Pederson has been a real team p;layer, and he is also one of the Dodgers who participates in the most community outreach events. If the Dodgers didn’t really like Pederson an awful lot, would that in-season first base debacle ever occurred, let alone lasted as long as it did?
The Dodgers won’t get Lindor and Hand without Lux as part of the package returning to the Indians.
Why do you believe that Seager will only play SS? From the day he was drafted the talk was about how his natural position would be 3B. At this point it would be a natural way for him to extend his career.
I don’t recall ever seeing Seager play any other position, even in a Spring Training game. I could be wrong about this as I haven’t seen every Spring Training innning since Seager has been with the Dodgers. I have obviously also heard the talk about him moving to third, but to date, I don’t think he has ever worked out at third, let alone played there. during any game.
He’s played a bit of 3B both in the minors and in his first season in the majors. But the point wasn’t about him having played it before, it’s about him perhaps playing it in the future. As he ages that big body could factor into him not being durable at SS. Just as moving Turner to 1B is way to keep him in the lineup as he ages Seager could benefit by a slide to the left. Maybe later, maybe now.
I didn’t remember seeing him playing third during his first season. Thank you for letting me know. As I said in another comment, it would be great to Seager play some third in 2020 if the Dodgers keep him and don’t obtain Rendon. Moving Turner primarily to first in any case is best for Turner, and an infield of Turner, Muncy, Lux and Seager would be something to see.
Too much is made of the ‘challenge’ of getting plate appearances for Turner in this situation. The players who would lose out on PAs are Enrique Hernandez and Chris Taylor. Turner’s in the final year of his contract and he’s in his mid-30s. Adding Rendon might cause a bit of congestion for a year (not much, though, more on that in a sec), but it is really about future-proofing at a position where they have had outstanding performance but cannot really expect to maintain that performance for the next several years. Justin Turner’s been as good as Anthony Rendon (in 2/3 the PAs, because he’s hurt a lot) over the last few years, but there’s definitely an expiration date on that.
Last season the Dodgers gave almost 800 innings at 2b to the combination of Chris Taylor and Enrique Hernandez; Muncy also picked up 200 innings at 3b, and Cody Bellinger played 230 defensive innings at 1st. None of those things has to happen with Rendon on the roster. Bellinger plays exclusively RF/CF, Rendon plays 1100 or so innings of 3b, with Turner playing his days off. Muncy shares 2b and 1b with both Turner and Lux, depending on handedness. Lux becomes the primary backup at shortstop. Lux being SS-capable means that they are no longer damaged as much by not carrying 2 SS-capable multipositional players in Taylor and Hernandez. Bellinger’s 1b time and Hernandez/Taylor’s 2b/3b time total pretty much a full season’s worth of defensive innings. The toughest decision becomes whether you retain Hernandez (a superior defender at more positions, but at 5 years MLS) or Taylor (a superior hitter than Hernandez, and with 4 years MLS). This isn’t even accounting for things like the Joc Pederson First Base Experiment which also are defensive innings that can be re-assigned.
When 2020 is over, Turner’s a free agent, Hernandez is a free agent, and even if Turner is retained he will be progressing towards the David Freese/Chase Utley elder statesman role.
It’s simply not that difficult for the Dodgers to make it work for a single season given the flexibility of so many of their players and the inevitable injuries that will ensue. Turner’s willingness to play elsewhere is the key, and he’s already expressed it multiple times.
I think that the Dodgers are more serious about Rendon than they are about the pitchers for exactly this reason: he’s the best chance they have of replacing Justin Turner in their lineup into the future, and that is a medium- term need given his advancing age and contract status. No comparable player will be available in future offseasons, and Rendon’s potential interest in a 6-8 year contract instead of a 13-year Harper megadeal makes him a particularly good fit for the Dodgers’ contractual preferences.
I think that this article is almost wholly incorrect in it’s analysis that this is a ‘more smoke than fire’ situation. This is the acquisition the Dodgers are probably the most serious about, and Rendon is probably the best fit of any major position-player FA for both their long-term organizational needs and their player acquisition philosophies in the Friedman era.
To add re: the playing time alotments, the Dodgers gave a combined 500 innings at 1st base to Joc Pederson. David Freese and Matt Beaty. That’s playing time that can very easily be re-distributed to Lux and Rendon.
It is not a very big deal of Matt Beaty is blocked for a year.
That gets up to 1500 defensive innings in the infield that can be re-distributed to Rendon and Lux, if you add Hernandez/Taylor time spent at SS as well (another 300), you’re now at 1800 innings, which is about 1.5 full time players (that’s 200 full games , or about 1000 PAs).
I’m using defensive innings as a way to analyze playing time because the lineup positions of players like Taylor/Hernandez vs Rendon would be significantly different, and those lineup positions can add up to substantial differences in PAs over the course of so many games. Rendon would get more PAs in the same number of innings because he’d hit 3rd and not 7th).
The dodgers could use a power RH and a 3B. The reds need SS, corner OF, catcher and 5th starter
Trade eugenio Suarez (and his great contract and 49hrs) for Lux, Pederson, and a 3rd( gondolin, May, or Ruiz). Reds throw in a few mid tier prospects to even trade out or tucker Barnhart for backup. And everyone wins.
Friend, the Dodgers are not going to trade two FV60 prospects for Eugenio Suarez. Lux, May and Ruiz are all top-20 prospects in MLB (May and Lux are top 10, by the Fangraphs chart, and Ruiz 11th).
Ruiz was a more highly rated prospect than Smith; regardless of Smith’s excellence, he’s not going to be used as a ‘throw in’ to even out a trade. Look what the Padres spent for a similarly rated catching prospect all on his own (The Mejia trade).
All 3 of those players have a full 6 years of team control; neither May or Lux debuted early enough to even acquire Super 2 status. They could get Suarez for one of them, with no throwins.
Except the Dodgers. Know folks want to see the Dodgers do something after the NLDS fiasco last year. The only issue is who does the team “trade for” bullpen-wise. There are free agents on the market the team can “buy.” Dodgers are not going to trade Seager or Muncy or Verdugo or Lux or Turner. Period. If we pick up Rendon, great! If we pick up Cole or Strasburg, better!
The team is not going to blow up its core for rentals like Betts or Lindor just to prove to fans that it did something.
Off all of the players being linked to the Dodgers, Betts is the one I’d most want to see the team get. Elite bat speed. Power. Terrific D. Young. A righty. If Boston is nutty enough to deal him (and I think there’s NO WAY they do), see if Gonsolin and Ruiz would get the job done. I suspect he’d enjoy LA and would be open to signing an extension with the money that might have done to Rendon, Cole or Strasburg. But Boston isn’t overseen by idiots. They won’t deal that guy…
An infield group consisting of Turner, Seager, Muncy, Lux, Kiki and Taylor is a darn good group. There isn’t a problem here.
Dodgers have to find a starting pitcher and a bullpen arm. The bats are stellar. Dealing Pederson to address one of the two problems would work. Taylor and Kiki can handle backup OF duty. As nice as Donaldson would be on the Dodgers he is not needed unless the Dodgers are planning to deal infielders.
Any position player activity is about future planning; this is the last year of Turner’s contract, and in his mid-30s he’s unlikely to play everyday at his current level (one or the other will decline, if not both) into the future.
The Dodgers aren’t trying to build the team with the maximum chance of winning the 2020 world series. They’re going to build their team to maximize their odds of winning the division every year for the foreseeable future, on the theory that getting as many bites at the apple as possible is the most likely way to finally succeed.
Future-proofing the position player group makes a certain amount of sense.
Junts – acquiring Donaldson doesn’t do anything for “future-proofing”. Cole and Strasburg certainly will. My entire comment suggested the Dodgers could win the World Series the next 2-3 years, if not more. Donaldson is in his mid-30’s and yet the Dodgers think Turner can’t play everyday? Donaldson had injury-filled seasons in 2017 and 2018.
To your comment, the way the Dodgers contend is to shore up their SP and RP, not a 3B.
Agreed WAGH
Getting anywhere in the post season we need a #1 or #2 SP to go with Buehler. Unfortunately Cole or Stras won’t sign a short term deal. Hopefully, and this is a BIG hopefully, one of our young arms come up big this year to help the cause!
Dodger fans have to realize the Indians aren’t taking any salary back for Lindor. So 2 years of Seager at $7M and probably $10-11M after an injury-free season won’t happen.
Frankie is the best SS in baseball. Platinum glove winner, Leadoff hitter. Face of the game. LA has the cash to sign him.
The conversation starts with Lux and Ruiz.
You’re probably not wrong, but the Dodgers aren’t going to trade 2 of the top 20 prospects in baseball for 2 years of having Francisco Lindor upgrade their shortstop production by 1-2 wins per season.
That’s why this trade was never going to happen, of course.
I’m not sure they would trade one of them for that privilege, certainly not both. Maybe if they were given the 72 hour extension-negotiation window?
that window might be available. The Tribe could throw in Kluber. I know LA and SD were interested last year
I think one aspect being overlooked in the Dodgers pursuit of Tony Two-Bags is that Justin Turner is a lineup linchpin in LA and his contract expires after next season. Rendon is the perfect bat to take over for when Turner moves on. For one season, the Dodgers can enjoy having both of these guys in the lineup together. On top of that, even in the face of K’s being in the upswing, the Dodgers have had some serious problems with strikeouts in October. It’s hard to find a hitter with a better knowledge of the strike zone that would be reasonably available to any team than Rendon.
Moving Turner across the diamond doesn’t necessarily require the Dodgers to sign a free-agent to play 3B. Seager could move over and Lux could take over at SS. This allows the Dodgers to keep both Lux and Muncy in the lineup. This scenario should at least be part of the discussion.
If the Dodgers don’t obtain Rendon or Lindor, they should definitely have Seager try third. Again, it has to be seen to be believed, and we know the Dodgers are willing. The question is if Seager is.
Or Donaldson, who I think is the only attainable one, at least given the way Friedman does business. I question whether they get any of them. Another infielder means it becomes difficult to find playing time for Muncy and Lux. Something would have to give.
If the Dodgers are truly serious about making some changes, something will give. I think if they don’t get Rendon or Lindor, they will keep the status quo for the most part. Donaldson is a fine player, but older than they normally like. I can’t see him taking a one-year deal again when it appears that he has a lot of interest.
Turner crossing over to FB would be driving factor, if that is actually set to happen this year. The attraction of Donaldson (for Friedman) is he could be had for 2-3 years and well under $100M. His age aside, that’s a very Friedman kind of move.
If I was a betting man, I’d say the Dodgers push hard for Donaldson, moving JT to 1B, Muncy to 2B and Lux to OKC until there’s an injury. Rendon is going to get insane money from Texas, and I think that’s where he’ll end up.
If it’s not obvious to you where Turner would move then you don’t know Turner very well and you haven’t been paying attention lately. Turner himself said he would be open to moving across the diamond to 1B if the Dodgers signed a third baseman. Add to that the fact that Turner’s biggest issue physically is his knees and it is plainly obvious the Dodgers would never ask him to play 2B on a full time (or even half time) basis. The objective is to keep Turner ON the field and IN the lineup; playing him at 2B would do just the opposite.
The Dodgers aren’t trading Lux. They would have less players to move around on a constant basis.
I don’t get the Dodgers… your offense is already sick. Why sign a 30-year old for triple what you’re paying someone who is already providing great offense? Why trade a perfectly good and cheap SS for Lindor, who you’ll have to give prospects up for?
The issue is pitching. Focus on pitching. Sheesh.
I don’t understand all this, it’s as simple as signing Donaldson to a short 2 year deal, moving Turner to first then getting Leclerc and Minor from the rangers for Joc, Gonsolin and Kyle Garlic
And Muncy and Lux ride the pine? Maybe not so simple after all
Donaldson, maybe. The other stuff, no.
Assuming that Donaldson and Rendon market is not realistic. Both probably bad contracts from all we’ve seen so far. I’d rather give up some prospects and acquire Kris Bryant from the Cubs, assuming the Cubs are rational about what they get in return. Bryant can play 3B/LF/1B. The flexibility that the Dodgers like. Turner can move around 1B/3B. Muncy at 1B/2B/OF. In a perfect world they can also trade Pollock away, and move Bellinger to CF where he should be playing as the best Dodger athlete.