With the annual Winter Meetings just over a week away, the hot stove season figures to heat up soon. While a substantial acquisition has yet to come to fruition, the Los Angeles Dodgers continue being linked to some of the biggest names available, both on the free agent front and trade market.
The club is reportedly giving legitimate consideration to signing Josh Donaldson, who is coming off an excellent 2019 campaign with the Atlanta Braves. Entering his age-34 season, he has been pegged by many to command a contract in the three-to-four year range.
The Dodgers are also said to be interested in inking Anthony Rendon, who they have long coveted for his work at the plate and defensive prowess. While third base isn’t exactly a need for L.A., the front office has evidently explored the market with Justin Turner willing to change positions.
Given the depth and talent of their farm system, the Dodgers can additionally look to make an impact addition via trade. They are expected to pursue Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor, who is two years away from becoming a free agent himself.
While some have speculated that Corey Seager could appeal to Cleveland in a potential Lindor swap, the organization is reportedly targeting Gavin Lux instead, as David Vassegh of AM 570 L.A. Sports relayed on SportsNet LA:
“I was told the reports that were out there, that the Indians wanted Corey Seager (are not true), they want Gavin Lux. Not Corey Seager.”
In 143 games this season, Lindor hit .284/.335/.518 with 40 doubles, two triples, 32 home runs, 74 RBI and 22 stolen bases across 654 plate appearances. He was selected to the All-Star Game for a fourth consecutive year, finished 15th in American League MVP voting and earned his second career Gold Glove Award at shortstop.
The Dodgers have been reluctant to part ways with Lux in the past, refusing to trade him for J.T. Realmuto last offseason, and most recently, Pittsburgh Pirates left-hander Felipe Vazquez at the July 31 trade deadline.
Lux made the most of his limited time in the Majors this season and earned a spot on the Dodgers’ National League Division Series roster, where he started at second base in three of the five games. Lux most notably became the first player in franchise history to hit a home run in his first career postseason at-bat.
Even if the Dodgers are open to trading the 22-year-old this time around, it’s fair to wonder whether the Indians will even seriously consider moving Lindor this winter. President Chris Antonetti previously revealed that he expects Lindor to be the club’s starting shortstop on Opening Day.
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