Dodgers GM Confirms Plan for Gavin Lux to Be Starting Shortstop in 2024
Before the 2023 season even got underway, the Dodgers were dealt a massive blow when Gavin Lux tore his ACL in spring training. Lux, fit to take over as the team’s starting shortstop, had his season come to a screeching halt before it truly began.
The front office had traded for and extended Miguel Rojas from the Miami Marlins. The plan was for Lux to play most games at shortstop and have Rojas act as a backup utility man in the infield. However, the injury to Lux thrust Rojas into the starting job for 2023.
Now, heading into 2024, the Dodgers face a similar situation as last year with one added wrinkle. Rojas played well for the club last year. He showed his defensive wizardry as a shortstop and did just enough offensively. With him playing 124 games, the Dodgers had a historic regular season offensively.
Prior to the Winter Meetings, Dodgers’ general manager Brandon Gomes spoke briefly about how the organization plans on handling shortstop next season,
“Our thought is that he’s going to be our shortstop,” Gomes said. “And the benefit is that you have somebody like (Miguel Rojas) behind him who will be an incredibly high bar.”
Via Dodgers MLBlogs
This is great news for Gavin Lux and the organization. The 2023 season looked to be a breakout year for Lux before he went down with injury. Now, it appears he will get that opportunity again next season.
In 2022, before dealing with a neck injury, Lux seemed to have taken that next step at the plate. Anchoring the 9th spot in the order, Lux hit .307 with a .817 OPS in the first 90 games. His production did teeter towards the end of the year, but he showed the skills that made him a former Minor League Player of the Year.
The 2024 season looks to be the year we all hoped 2023 would have been for Lux. At just 26 years old, he still has more than enough time to impress everyone as the Dodgers shortstop of the future.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
