Dodgers Team News

Dodgers Unwilling to Trade C Keibert Ruiz for a Rental Piece

The Dodgers will be active at the trade deadline this week. While they’ve been a mystery over the last few years in the market, the entire league expects Los Angeles to be a major player this time around. Given their need for starting pitching, they can’t afford not to be.

As expected, the Dodgers have been linked to several starting arms on the market in the final week. And those rumors will continue to grow as we move closer to the July 30th deadline this week. 

But the Dodgers are reportedly not interested in moving their main trade chip in a deal for a rental piece. ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez explains that Los Angeles would move Keibert Ruiz, but not in a deal that would get them a player for a few months. 

The Dodgers have been getting plenty of interest in minor league catcher Keibert Ruiz, as is usually the case given that he has no path to the major league roster. But they don’t want to give him up for a rental piece.

The Dodgers love what Kiebert brings and he’s obviously ready for big league action. Any team that lands him would be able to plug Ruiz into their lineup immediately if they wanted or needed to. But unfortunately for him, he’s boxed in playing with Los Angeles. 

Dodgers Related: LA in on Pitchers Jose Berrios and Danny Duffy

The Dodgers don’t appear to have a plan to move Will Smith out from behind the plate. And bringing up Ruiz as a backup over Austin Barnes would only cut down on Ruiz’s playing time. Add in Diego Cartaya to the conversation, and there really is no spot for him in LA. 

That makes him expendable, but he’s also highly valued. The Dodgers can afford to play the market slowly with Ruiz, and you can be sure they won’t give him up unless a deal really appeals to them. 

Dodgers: All the Trade Rumors, All the Injury Updates, A Giants Series Preview & More | Blue Heaven Podcast

7 Comments

  1. I agree with this analysis. Ruiz is definitely tradeable. But not for a rental. Will Smith is upper tier right now, and has potential greatness in his future, especially as his defensive skills improve. Barnes is a capable backup, but lacks offense. He could be traded for a rental, with Ruiz filling his spot. Cartaya should not be involved in any trades. He is one of the bright spots in a somewhat depleted minor league system. He looks great so far. Time will tell. But we need to give him some time.

  2. Trade Barnes and Lux to the Nats for Mad Max. Ruiz is ready to do the back up for Smith

    1. Next year, assuming there’s a DH Ruiz if he’s still here can alternate with Smith as the DH, which would give both guys occasional breaks behind the dish while keeping their bats in the lineup. But Dodgers also value versatility and either player can perhaps get some time during ST next year at another position.

  3. All good thoughts above. There is no reason to keep Ruiz in the minors..he’s only blocked on paper in LA. If he’s with the club after the deadline he will be in LA. There is some sort of mystery logic in keeping him at OKC now.
    Roll the dice and trade Barnes if you have to otherwise get us a rental starter and for it.
    NOTE TO DOC: Loose that contact play!!

  4. Many good thoughts above. Keep Ruiz. The NL will have the DH next year so Turner should be that. I would like to see Smith work out at 3rd base in the off season. He is athletic enough to do it. Ruiz can catch with Barnes as back up.
    I do not see much in Beatty, Raley, McKinnie. DJ Peters. McKinstrey seems like he is an ok back up. Lux needs to progress. Tough with Seager, Betts, Keyshaw, May, & etc. out.
    Pitching has fallen apart due to injuries mostly. Keyshawn has a lot of miles on him, not sure what he has left. Bauer is gone, will not return. Buehler, Urias are great. Gonsolon, Price are serviceable. Kelly, Treinen are good. Jensen is suspect. We will see about J. Gray.
    I am thinking about next year, too many injuries, unknowns this year. Not LA’s year.
    I would like to see them go after Berrios, possibly C. Bryant. Scherzer is too expensive probably.

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