Free Agent Shortstops And Trade Options For Dodgers
With the loss of Hanley Ramirez to the Boston Red Sox via free agency, the Los Angeles Dodgers need to find a replacement, though are in somewhat of a tricky position.
While the Dodgers have a hole to fill, it doesn’t necessarily require a long-term solution. Corey Seager has been pegged as the shortstop of the future and that may be as soon as one or two years away. Ideally, the Dodgers would want to rely on an internal option, but that comes with a different challenge.
Despite a down year in 2014, Ramirez led all shortstops in on-base percentage (.369), slugging percentage (.448) and OPS (.817); he finished fourth with 71 RBIs and batting average (.283).
Erisbel Arruebarrena and Miguel Rojas would both be upgrades over Ramirez defensively, but neither hit over .200. Salary arbitration-eligible Justin Turner hit well last season and is capable of playing the position, just not necessarily for an entire season.
Natural shortstop Alex Guerrero was signed with visions of him playing second base and a move to left field may be more likely than transitioning back to shortstop. The free agent market of shortstops is thin, which may lead to the Dodgers addressing their need with a trade.
Next Page: Free Agent Shortstops
If they can’t trade for a starting shortstop. Corey Seager should make the opening day roster.
Seager might be ready by mid season but not ready now. Most likely just a September call-up.
They will get Jimmy Rollins along with Cole Hamels in a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies. And they will use Zach Lee, Andre Ethier and/or Carl Crawford, couple more prospects not named Joc Pederson, Julio Urias, and Corey Seager, and a lot of cash to offset the money owed to the outfielder or outfielders being traded. Makes so much sense for the Dodgers it fills two pressing holes and get rid of the outfield logjam.
First off Barry he’s are future, that’s how you ruin a ball player. All due respect to Brian Raugust, I agree with you on Hamels & Rollins, but why would trade Seager he’s the whole point??
I didn’t say trade Seager. If I did then it was an accident.
I makes no sense to be one or two years away, if Seager is the answer, bring him in…