Dodgers Trading for Former Stolen Base Champion in Savvy Move With AL West Club

May 1, 2024; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics center fielder Esteury Ruiz (1) rounds third base for a run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the eighth inning at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images | Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Dodgers are acquiring Esteury Ruiz from the Athletics in exchange for right-hander Carlos Duran, per ESPN insider Alden Gonzalez.

Ruiz led the American League with 67 stolen bases in 2023. After being designated for assignment three days ago, he will be starting his Dodgers career in Triple-A.

NEWS: The Dodgers are acquiring CF Esteury Ruiz from the A's, sources tell ESPN.

He stole an AL-leading 67 bases in 2023 and was designated for assignment three days ago.

— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) April 2, 2025

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Aside from the stolen bases, the centerfielder also had a slashline of .254/.309/.345 with an OPS of .654 in 2023, adding 114 hits and 47 RBIs.

After his electric campaign two seasons ago, 2024 proved to be more difficult for Ruiz. His season ended early as he was placed on the injured list with a strained left wrist, and capped off an injury-riddled year with September knee surgery.

When Ruiz thought that 2025 might be the year he broke through once again for the Athletics, he was moved off of the 40-man roster as his team claimed Angel Perdomo off waivers recently.

He has been working to get back to major league play since his 29 games last season, but will start 2025 in Oklahoma City.

The Dodgers have no shortage of talent on their roster, let alone base-stealing threats, and will now add another one to their organization in the 26-year-old.

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Duran has been in the Dodgers' organization since 2018 and was looking to be the next great starting pitcher to come out of L.A.'s farm. His Rule 5 eligibility had expired and last year he went unprotected, thus making a deal involving him more likely.

The 6-foot-7 right-hander threw a 3.71 ERA in 19 appearances across the minor league track last season. He had 73 strikeouts over 53.1 innings to just 32 walks.

Duran and his formidable slider will see what they can do in the Athletics organization as Ruiz and his base-stealing talents will look for an outfield opening with the Dodgers and a return to the big leagues.

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