Insider Links Dodgers to Yankees Shortstop as Potential Trade Option
It was a given that following the heartbreaking news of Gavin Lux's season-ending surgery, the Dodgers would be mentioned in numerous trade packages as they look to fill the hole at shortstop. They have seen numerous key players over the past few seasons perform well at that position and then leave, such as Corey Seager and Trea Turner, and now Lux is out before he even really showcased if he could be their long-term option.
Team manager Dave Roberts has already made it clear that LA's coaching staff prefers to try out other guys on their roster at shortstop first (Hello Chris Taylor and Miguel Rojas), but the productivity hasn't been eye-popping from them in their careers. Especially in Rojas' case, he was just acquired over the offseason mainly to provide depth.
For these very reasons, Jon Heyman of The New York Post has noted that the New York Yankees Isiah Kiner-Falefa could be someone that the Dodgers make a move for as it works out well for both parties.
"Isiah Kiner-Falefa has great versatility, and though Yankees people suggest he’s still in the shortstop mix— with word he’s going to play multiple other positions, including the outfield — it feels like he may be running third right now," said Heyman.
"The Dodgers also would make sense for Kiner-Falefa."
Kiner-Falefa is in an interesting spot as he is only 27 years old and has expressed that he would like to continue playing shortstop but his main goal is to win a World Series. With the Yankees looking at younger players to take his favorite position, LA might be the more attractive option for him right now. He would be able to fill a much-needed shortstop position and have the chance to contend for a championship.
The only question is if it would be much of an upgrade for the Dodgers. Last year, he hit just .261 with four home runs and 48 RBIs, with an OPS+ well below league average at 84. He did win a Gold Glove in 2020, but that was at third base.
