Dodgers Insider Suggests Chris Taylor Won’t Get Much Opportunity at Shortstop
Currently, the Dodgers are without a leading shortstop player.
Their shortstops for the past couple of seasons are gone. Corey Seager left for the Texas Rangers in the winter of 2021, and Trea Turner left for the Philadelphia Phillies this offseason.
L.A. may require a shortstop, and the best way to do that is to acquire one via trade, or is it?
Yes, L.A. lost their All-Star shortstops, but they may need to look no further than in their own clubhouse. Dodgers infielder Gavin Lux is originally a shortstop, and Dodgers utility man Chris Taylor has experience as a shortstop.
L.A. insider Fabian Ardaya says to expect the utility All-Star more in the outfield compared to the shortstop position.
“I’d expect most of Taylor’s work in 2023 to be at left field and second base, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he got double-digit starts at shortstop and in center field.
…
Maybe some more regular work can make him a presence at short if the Dodgers need to platoon for Lux, who had a .684 OPS against lefties last year.”
Right now, all fingers point to Gavin Lux being the Opening Day shortstop and playing most of his time there. Lux has only played in 68 games at shortstop in 273 career games. CT3, on the other hand, has played in 259 career games at the shortstop position, while 183 of those came as a Dodger.
A lot can happen from now till Opening Day. You cannot rule out the Dodgers trading for a shortstop player, even if it does come late in the offseason.
Whether it’s Taylor, Lux, or someone they trade for, L.A. will be just fine at the six position.
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I’m not a big fan of Lux. Never have been, but he showed a few signs of improvement last year. At this point I think they have to give him a shot at shortstop. If for no other reason than the Dodgers have turned down countless deals over the past several years for him because he was an
‘untouchable.’ Honestly, I think most Dodger fans would cringe if they were made aware of the details in all the trade proposals for Lux over the last few years.
Is put up or shut up time for him. And, if it doesn’t work out, Dodgers can always fix at trade deadline
Good article. I find it interesting Vargas is working out defensively at 2nd base this winter. To me, that points to Lux playing short. And for CT3 returning to his infield utility role and lots of outfield (CF) starts. Outman made the big splash offensively, Vargas didnt; but looked solid at the plate. MAYBE he is being penciled in at 2nd? We should be very excited about our youngsters.
Taylor has the quickness for third and the versatility to turn two at second. Muncy best to backup those two positions as well as backup DH.
Thompson and Outman actually both hit righties best. Wondering if that means Taylor is going to see time in the OF vs. left-handed pitchers? CT3’s elbow should be healthier this year so he might see more games as an infielder than in 22; but Vargas, Lux and Muncy are probably going to get the lions share of the infield opportunities.
Vargas’s best defensive position is probably 3B. We’ve got a crowd in the infield; this is going to get interesting. How these guys field without the shift will probably tell the tale.
I am tired of this debate. Lux will be given the job to succeed or fail.
Agree!
We can stop talking about signing a SS, they’re gone. Lux is the best available option and not a bad one at that. CT3’s playing time will be reduced if he continues to strike-out at a sub-standard 35% rate.