The Los Angeles Dodgers recently acquired utility player Cavan Biggio from the Toronto Blue Jays. So what other moves will Los Angeles look to make?
The Dodgers are 42-28 and hold a six-game lead in the National League West as of this story's writing. LA's roster features star-power and depth, so will they try to make any more notable moves? According to MLB.com, the Dodgers may attempt to acquire a shortstop.
Mookie Betts is one of the best players in the sport. However, the team would reportedly prefer to move him back to second base. The issue is that Gavin Lux has struggled at the plate. He does not exactly project to be the team's starting shortstop over Betts.
Lux was once a top prospect. The Dodgers had high expectations for Lux heading into the 2023 season, as he was expected to earn the everyday shortstop role. He ended up suffering a season-ending injury in spring training, however.
The Dodgers struggled to replace Lux and ultimately looked for help at the trade deadline. In 2024, Lux was initially expected to take over shortstop duties once again. Instead, though, LA opted to move Betts to shortstop and Lux to second base. Lux has slashed just .214/.267/.286/.552 across 53 games played during the '24 campaign.
Betts is playing at an MVP level, recording a stellar .308/.408/.498/.906 slash line over 69 games. The Dodgers would like to upgrade their middle infield by adding a more reliable option to join Betts.
Who could join Mookie Betts in Dodgers' middle infield?
The MLB.com article listed Bo Bichette, Willy Adames, and Paul DeJong as potential options. Bichette and Adames have been mentioned as possible trade targets for Los Angeles for a while now.
Tim Anderson and Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the Miami Marlins are also interesting candidates. Anderson and Chisholm have struggled in 2024, but they feature high-ceilings. Anderson was linked to the Dodgers in 2023 as well.
Chisholm, of course, plays centerfield now. But he also features the ability to play shortstop or second base. The odds of Chisholm being moved are slim since he is under team control through 2026. Given the Marlins' underperformance, Miami may consider trading him for the right return.
Biggio or Lux could force the Dodgers' hand with a strong next few weeks. If either player performs at a high level, the Dodgers may end up giving them the opportunity to start in the middle infield, likely at second base. This would keep Mookie Betts at shortstop, something LA will probably be open to if necessary.
The Dodgers have options. They have more than enough prospect capital to make a deal come to fruition if they decide to pursue a trade. Acquiring shortstops always brings competition given the importance of the position, but doubting the Dodgers is a risky thing to do.
Los Angeles will be unquestionably an interesting team to follow ahead of the July 31 MLB trade deadline. We will continue to monitor and provide updates on the Dodgers' trade plans as they are made available.
