The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Detroit Tigers infielder Andre Lipcius in exchange for cash considerations last week, providing the organization with additional infield depth.
Lipcius made his Major League debut last season for the Detroit Tigers, appearing in 13 games and hitting .286/.342/.400 in 38 plate appearances.
The 25-year-old is versatile in the field, a trait the Dodgers covet, with playing experience at all four infield spots at some point during his time in the Minors. He also has had short stints in the corner outfield spots.
It is no secret that the Dodgers organization is highly respected by the players around the league. One of the many reasons for this is their reputation of identifying talented players from outside the organization and finding a way to bring out that talent.
Max Muncy, Chris Taylor, Trayce Thompson, and Justin Turner are just some of the many examples from a position player standpoint, and Lipcius looks to add himself to that list. After the trade, he expressed how excited he is to be joining the Dodgers on SportsNet LA:
“It was kind of crazy getting a call after getting DFA’ed. I get a call and they said, ‘You’ve been traded to the Dodgers.’ I was ecstatic because these guys are known to be the best organization in baseball and I was stoked to get over here.”
Lipcius was drafted by the Tigers in the third round, No. 83 overall, in the 2019 MLB draft, and the Dodgers did not have their pick until 102. While they drafted Ryan Pepiot at that spot and it worked out well, Lipcius was a guy the Dodgers may have been targeting.
According to the infielder, the Dodgers wanted to acquire him for a couple of years:
“It means a ton. Especially by someone like these guys knowing that they want me to be here and that they have wanted me to be here for a couple of years now. And so I was stoked to be able to come over here.”
Lipcius was 1-for-8 with a double and an RBI with the Tigers this spring, but the grass is already looking greener for him at Camelback Ranch. He enjoyed a solid start to his career in a Dodgers uniform last Wednesday, collecting two hits in three at-bats.
While he likely won’t break camp with the Dodgers, he should see time at the Major League level at some point in 2024.
Andre Lipcius scouting report
Lipcius projects to be a solid backup infielder due to his bat-to-ball skills, ability to take a walk, and versatility. He does lack power and speed, and his defense needs some work, but he is still a solid depth option to have around.
Perhaps the Dodgers can find a swing change to make to unlock some more of his power, but even if they don’t, his bat should be effective enough to keep him as a Major League option.
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