Gavin Lux was supposed to start at shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024, but given his recent defensive struggles, it’s possible that the team is looking to upgrade. The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya reported that the team “remained interested” in Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Willy Adames.
Ardaya claims that manager Dave Roberts was “noncommittal” about Lux starting at shortstop.
Ardaya reported on March 7 that “the Dodgers’ position appears to be softening with Lux’s erratic defense this spring, including errors on each of his first two defensive chances and multiple bounced throws in an ugly sequence Wednesday.”
The Brewers, who “have been reluctant to move the 28-year-old pending free agent,” are about to reach the final year of Adames’ contract, according to Ardaya.
In 2024, the squad also possesses Miguel Rojas and Kiké Hernández as shortstop alternatives. The Dodgers looked into shortstop upgrades, but Ardaya noted in December that “none came to pass.”
Willy Adames’s Accessible
To avoid arbitration, Adames inked a $12.25 per year contract with the Brewers. But Adames will be a free agent following the 2024 campaign, and if the Brewers are unable to come to a long-term deal, it is possible that Adames won’t be a Brewer after this one.
The Brewers are not considering Adames or star closer Devin Williams for trade, according to an article published on February 15 by Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
Despite the perception that those guys weren’t available, the Brewers have established a precedent for dealing players for the correct amount. According to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY, MLB teams did not think Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes was tradeable in January. However, in early February, Burnes was traded by the Brewers to the Orioles.
If the Brewers were to deal Adames, they would have few options at shortstop. They have Brice Turang, a great defender who started off as a shortstop in the lower leagues before moving up to second base in 2023. Nevertheless, during the season, his offensive shortcomings forced him out of the starting lineup on occasion.
A Good Fit for the Dodgers in Willy Adames
Lux, the Dodgers’ top prospect in the spring of 2019, also struggled with throwing, according to Ardaya.
According to Ardaya, Roberts stated, “Obviously, performance is paramount at this level, and for our team vying to win a championship.” I’m not sure what will happen, but I do know that it will follow the strategy that will offer us the best chance of succeeding.
According to Ardaya, Roberts stated that he believes the problems are partially psychological. Lux plays over average at the plate, which puts the Dodgers in a difficult position. They do not want to compromise shortstop defense in order to keep his bat in the lineup, but they also do not want to keep it out.
Adames is a regular player at the position who offers excellent defense. He joined the Brewers in May 2021 and has played in 288 games for the team over the past two seasons, batting.242 with 75 home runs. Adames hit 24 home runs and collected 80 RBI in 2023 despite having a poor offensive year.
The Dodgers take on the San Diego Padres in South Korea on March 20 to kick off the season.
