Dodgers Rumors: Expert Proposes LA Trades for All-Star Infielder From Yankees
The Dodgers infield has been hit with the injury bug thus far in 2023. Gavin Lux tore his ACL in spring training, ending his 2023 campaign before it even began.
Then, Lux's replacement shortstop, Miguel Rojas, tweaked his groin earlier this week, and has missed two games since. And, on top of all that, second baseman Miguel Vargas took a pitch to the thumb, and missed Tuesday's game.
Also, for those keeping track, Vargas' replacement at second, Mookie Betts, got in a collision with Jason Heyward in Tuesday's game, and is reportedly dealing with an ankle sprain.
The Dodgers entered the season with a lack of infield depth and, early on, it's definitely been tested.
That's why, among other reasons, Brandon Scott of Bleacher Report thinks the Dodgers could make a big splash, and trade for two-time All-Star infielder Gleyber Torres from the New York Yankees. Here's a part of his reasoning:
"Gleyber Torres, who hit 24 home runs last year with career-bests in exit velocity and hard-hit rate, also provides a more flexible DH option for the Dodgers than J.D. Martinez.
"There is an awkward fit of not being able to get Will Smith's bat in the lineup when he's not catching, because 35-year-old Martinez is exclusively hitting. The Dodgers could trade Martinez, but acquire Torres, who would be able to play second base when Smith is DH.
"Martinez is still a good hitter, but Torres would upgrade the Dodgers' options at both second base and DH. It's possible the time has passed for the Yankees to trade Torres, who's been in trade rumors before, and they hold onto him. But it is a logical fit for the Dodgers, who have as much prospect ammunition as anyone to trade for a player."
It's hard to argue with the fact that J.D. Martinez's fit as a full-time DH hasn't exactly been perfect. The Dodgers have one of, if not, the best hitting catcher in baseball in Will Smith, and not being able to use him as a designated hitter on his off days hasn't exactly been ideal.
So, moving on from Martinez and bringing in an All-Star infielder in Torres would allow Smith to hit on his days off, and bring in some much needed depth in the infield.
Torres was an All-Star in 2018 and 2019, his first two years in the league. He hit an impressive 24 home runs in his rookie campaign, before exploding in 2019, mashing 38 home runs and driving in 90 RBIs.
After a few down years, Torres' power returned in 2022, as he mashed 24 home runs and drove in 76 RBIs. He also hit a career-high 28 doubles and stole 10 bases.
This year, Torres is off to a very solid start. Entering Wednesday's game, he's slashing .333/.524/.733 with two home runs, four RBIs and an AL-leading six walks. His 1.257 OPS isn't too shabby, either.
Torres has played second base and shortstop in his career, which would be a huge boost to the Dodgers infield. While Vargas is making a name for himself and deserves to be an everyday player, the same can't be said about Rojas. While his defense is Gold-Glove-caliber, his offense may not be good enough to be in the lineup on a consistent basis.
The Martinez-for-Torres swap would definitely give the Dodgers a lot more lineup versatility, and bring them some much-needed depth.
While I don't see it happening, it's definitely an interesting proposition.
