Dodgers Interested in Trading for Power-Hitting Shortstop: Report
A familiar name has again popped up for the Dodgers: Shortstop Willy Adames. Adames has been connected to the Dodgers for some time now, and the team is reportedly still interested in acquiring him.
The front office had remained committed to infielder Gavin Lux as the shortstop for this season, but his recent struggles on defense have led to a major shift.
On Wednesday, manager Dave Roberts was noncommittal about Lux's status at the shortstop position. And on Friday, Lux was officially removed from the shortstop position altogether.
Even before Roberts made this announcement on Friday, The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya had reported that the Dodgers remained interested in pursuing Adames in a trade, but that Milwaukee was hesitant to move their infielder. Now, those talks may get even louder.
"The Dodgers remain interested in Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Willy Adames, a league source said, though the Brewers have been reluctant to move the 28-year-old pending free agent."
Los Angeles could use the upgrade with Adames, as he would shore up the position and allow Betts to move back to second base. He is a much better defender than Lux at shortstop (Betts is more of an unknown), while also providing an offensive spark. Last season, Adames hit .217 with 24 home runs and 80 runs batted in.
If the Dodgers want to keep their high-paid superstar in Betts on the right side of the infield, and don't feel like Lux is the long-term answer at shortstop, Adames could be an option. However, he is a free agent at the end of the 2024 season, so he wouldn't exactly be a long-term solution barring an extension.
But, he would at least give them an above-average option for now, before heading into the 2024-25 offseason with a much bigger problem to solve.
