Dodgers Rumors: Shortstop a Top Priority in the Eyes of Beat Reporter
There’s a lot available on both the free-agent and trade markets this offseason, and the Dodgers have multiple holes they still need to fill. The big question is how they will go about filling those holes, whether via trade, free agency, or filling from within with their minor-league system.
Dodgers beat writer Bill Plunkett was on MLB Network recently to discuss what he thinks L.A.’s approach will be this offseason.
“I think the most important thing is they gotta find a shortstop, and honestly I don’t think it’s going to be one of the four free agents. They might have their eyes on Willy Adames if the speculation is the Brewers being open for business during the trade market. Maybe they can swing something with Milwaukee to bring Adames out west, maybe it involves Corbin Burnes, they could use another starter or two. I think it starts at shortstop and then everything else spins around how that is resolved.”
Shortstop is definitely the biggest hole at the moment, although it’s also one they could fill without acquiring anyone new. Gavin Lux has been mostly a second baseman in the big leagues, but he came up as a shortstop and they have Michael Busch waiting in the wings at second.
But if they do decide to go outside the organization for a shortstop, Adames continues to make a lot of sense if he’s available. Getting Burnes too might not be realistic, but Los Angeles has a loaded farm system and not nearly enough room to play everyone, so a big prospect trade isn’t out of the question.
Overall, Plunkett’s assessment seems right: How the Dodgers fill their hole at short will help determine how the rest of their offseason goes.
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Friedman has to be aggressive at the winter meetings next week. This deal for adames and burns would be perfect. This move would still allow the team to acquire Verlander and stay under the cap. I feel Pepiot,Grove and Vargas should be enough.
I’m glad to hear Bill Plunkett, a trusted Dodger Insider see the importance of having a quality SS to fill the void. Lux is a serviceable SS, not one for the every game grind of a full season. The SS is the captain of the infield that steadies the defense and the savvy of gamesmanship. He has to be athletic with smooth hands, good footwork, and a strong arm. If he can hit to get on and run like Trea, all the better. Every championship team have had a very trustworthy shortstop as one of their mainstays in the lineup.
I used to be on that train but now I’m thinking let Lux play s.s. I think a better trade would be with the Pirates for Bryan Reynolds & one of either pitcher Colin Selby or third baseman Jared Triolo.
In exchange for Jose Ramous, Chris Taylor, Ryan Pepiot, Carlos Duran & Jorbit Vivas. Hope it wouldn’t take James Outman but, if Reynolds would sign a long term extension immediately, then Outman could be included in place of Ramous.