The Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up for an active offseason after claiming their second World Series title in five years. Following a significant investment of over $1 billion last winter, the team plans to remain aggressive in bolstering their roster, with the goal of becoming the first back-to-back champions since the New York Yankees’ three-peat from 1998 to 2000.
So far, the Dodgers have made some minor league signings and are scheduled to meet with free agent standout Juan Soto on Tuesday. In other notable developments, general manager Brandon Gomes announced that Mookie Betts would return to the infield for the 2025 season.
Betts, who began last season at second base, shifted to shortstop after Gavin Lux struggled defensively in his return from a torn ACL. However, Betts moved back to right field following a hand injury in June. Despite the lineup benefiting from Betts in the outfield, the three-time World Series champion has expressed a strong desire to return to the infield, a wish the Dodgers intend to honor.
Betts’ move to the infield adds complexity to the roster. Lux, Miguel Rojas, Tommy Edman, and potentially free agent target Willy Adames could all contend for middle infield positions. While Betts is unlikely to return to shortstop, he is expected to start at second base on Opening Day 2025. This could leave Lux as the odd man out, given his defensive struggles at shortstop and stronger performance at second base.
Though the Dodgers value Lux as a homegrown talent and recent first-round pick, they face greater needs in the outfield and pitching staff, making him a prime trade candidate. One potential trade involves Lux being part of a package for All-Star pitcher Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox. Another intriguing scenario is sending Lux to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for two-time All-Star reliever Devin Williams, who is entering the final year of his team control.
A potential trade package for Williams could look like this:
– **Dodgers receive**: RHP Devin Williams
– **Brewers receive**: INF Gavin Lux, RHP Peter Heubeck, and RHP prospect Payton Martin.
This move could address the Dodgers’ pitching needs while providing the Brewers with a versatile infielder and promising young arms.
Why the Dodgers Would Do This Trade
The Dodgers are acquiring one of baseball’s most dominant relievers in Williams, a two-time National League Reliever of the Year with a career ERA of 1.83, who hasn’t posted an ERA above 2.50 since his rookie season.
Known as the “Airbender” for his lethal changeup, Williams would seamlessly slot into the back end of the Dodgers’ bullpen, either as a closer or a reliable setup man alongside Michael Kopech.
With a bullpen featuring Kopech, Williams, Evan Phillips, and Alex Vesia, the Dodgers would boast an almost unfair level of depth, further enhancing a unit that played a crucial role in their World Series victory last season.
Why the Brewers Would Do This Trade
The Brewers are acquiring a 26-year-old infielder with two years of team control remaining, who had a strong comeback season after a torn ACL.
He batted .251 with a career-high 10 home runs, 50 RBIs, and a wRC+ of 104. With the likelihood of losing Adames, the team may shift second baseman Brice Turang back to shortstop, leaving Joey Ortiz at third base. This move would open up second base for Gavin Lux, a Kenosha, Wisconsin native who grew up just 40 miles from the Brewers’ stadium.
On the pitching side, the Brewers are getting two of the Dodgers’ top 30 pitching prospects, both expected to reach the majors within a few seasons. Heubeck posted a 3.05 ERA over 24 High-A starts last season, while Martin recorded a 3.38 ERA in 13 starts at the same level. These additions give the Brewers a chance to develop two promising arms while positioning Lux as a potential cornerstone at second base.
Be the first to comment