Dodgers Could Make Another Big Trade Before Spring Training: Report
The Los Angeles Dodgers made a major trade on Tuesday, but their offseason of moves could be far from done.
The Dodgers traded second baseman Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds after spending his entire career in Los Angeles. Although the Dodgers have already completed big moves, Lux might just be the first of many players Los Angeles will trade this offseason.
The Dodgers have expressed a strong interest in signing free-agent starting pitcher Roki Sasaki. Additionally, acquiring another reliever for the bullpen may be an option. To do this, Los Angeles must make space on their 40-man roster, which could be bad news for a trio of current players.
More news: MLB Insider Reveals Why Dodgers Target Roki Sasaki’s Decision Could Be Delayed
Shortstop Miguel Rojas and outfielders Chris Taylor and James Outman are reportedly among possible trade pieces for the Dodgers, per MLB.com’s Sonja Chen.
Rojas stepped up as a shortstop for the Dodgers after the injury to Mookie Betts last season. His success in the position, strong offensive performance, and leadership in the clubhouse will likely give him a stronger chance of remaining with the Dodgers.
Rojas’ $5 million player option also benefits the franchise financially as they continue to make big moves in the offseason.
More news: Dodgers’ NL West Rival Signing Justin Verlander in Blockbuster Move
As far as outfielders, Taylor and Outman are at different points in their MLB careers.
Outman had a standout rookie season in 2023. He finished third in National League Rookie of the Year voting and was named NL Rookie of the Month twice.
However, the 27-year-old’s performance at the plate significantly declined this season. He spent the majority of the season in Triple-A. Outman slashed .147/.256/.265 through 53 games in 2024 compared to a .248/.353/.437 slash-line across 151 games in 2023.
Meanwhile, Taylor, a longtime Dodgers veteran, is 34 years old with a bat that is progressively worsening each season. He slashed .202/.298/.300 across 87 games in 2024. The two-time World Series champion is entering the final year of his four-year contract, which includes a club option for 2026.
Teoscar Hernández, Michael Conforto, and Tommy Edman likely have the three outfield positions secured. Therefore, there is not much room available for Outman or Taylor.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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Please make Taylor go away.
The Dodgers have very good middle infielders. With the addition of Kim, and with Rojas, shortstop is secured. So is second base. Tommy Edmans won a Golden Glove at second base. Why not leave him there? Mookie is a Golden Glove right fielder. Pages can play center but I would rather trade for Luis Robert Jr. I’m surprised that Friedman can not work out a trade for Robert or that he doesn’t think that Robert is worth what the Dodgers would have to give up.
What is clear is you probably know better than Friedman.I wonder why he’s not listening to you? Lol
Put Edman at short and Kim at second. Both are outstanding defensive infielders. Move Mookie to center which won’t take a month until he’s comfortable there.
Many signs point to Mookie NOT wanting to play OF any longer (could be physical issue?) but I really think he should play 2B caz we got plaenty guys who can do SS really well.
Mookie must be breathing a sigh of relief you aren’t his GM
Agree with Glen the Dodgers should get Luis Robert, Jr. to play center field, between Conforto and Teoscar, with Pages as a back up at each outfield position and platoon if necessary with Conforto to get him at bats. Edman at SS and Mookie at 2d base. Kim, who they should not have signed, is a back-up infielder. They may have to eat Chris Taylor’s salary if they prefer Kike (who can back up at 1B if needed and probably will outhit Taylor, and will be good in the playoffs). Back ups are Barnes at catcher, Pages in outfield, Kim in infield, and Taylor or Kike at utility. That is all they can carry with 1 Ohtani, 2 Smith, 3 Freeman, 4 Betts, 5 Edman, 6 Muncy, 7 Conforto, 8 Robert and 9 Teoscar as starters. Not enough room for both Taylor and Kike. No room for Dalton Rushing to start the season. Let him catch and play outfield in OKC to start. Murakami at 3B in 2026 after Muncy’s contract runs out. Rushing to platoon at catcher with Smith and with Pages in left field in 2006. Smith needs to catch far fewer games. I still don’t get why they signed Kim. Lux would be a better player than Kim, cost less or about the same over the next 2-3 years, just not as versatile but they don’t need below average hitting utility players, they need guys who might hit .750 -.800 OPS as Lux might do this year. To score the most runs (without giving up too much on defense) try to have better than average hitters at every position except maybe SS and maybe catcher, but they will have better than average production at catcher from Smith and would be better with Rushing rather than Barnes as back-up. They did not need to keep Barnes. He can become a coach for them. And Edman’s production at SS while probably below league average OPS will be OK for a good fielding SS. n Where does Rojas fit on the 13 man position player/DH limit? Another reason why Kim makes no sense.
Mookie is moving back to second base no matter what the Dodgers say “out loud”.. Teoscar will take over in right where he is an above average defensive player. Edman will play in Center and hopefully will platoon with Kike’ when they sign him at some point as well as tome at short where I think Kim will end up as well.. Pages and Conforto will platoon in Left, unless one of them gets really hot. Taylor, while he lasts, can still play defense in many places in the outfield or infield. Ohtani can be his designated hitter (lol). I hope Taylor went to Driveline this offseason and learned how to bat again, but I doubt it… His face needs to be the new “BRUH” face on Dodgers Nation…