The Los Angeles Dodgers signing Hyeseong Kim prior to his deadline to return to the KBO League immediately raised questions over their middle infield plans, and specifically the outlook for Gavin Lux heading into the 2025 season.
Lux twice was projected to be the Dodgers’ shortstop, but a severe right knee injury in Spring Training two years ago caused him to miss the entire 2023 season, and defensive struggles prompted the Dodgers to hand the position to Mookie Betts for the 2024 campaign.
Betts wound up finishing last season in right field upon returning from a left hand fracture, and Lux played all of 2024 at second base. He’s now poised to remain there with Betts shifting back to shortstop.
“That’s still the mindset,” answered general manager Brandon Gomes when asked if the Dodgers’ remained committed to Lux at second base and Betts as their shortstop in light of signing Kim to a three-year contract.
“Like we’ve said all along, continuing to add talent and build a balanced lineup to go out and repeat is our goal. We feel like we’ve taken steps and will continue to take steps toward doing that.”
Albeit a talented roster, the Dodgers have seemingly amassed a surplus of infielders. There is also the possibility, if not expectation, the team will re-sign Kiké Hernández.
A trade would appear likely — perhaps even necessary — but the Dodgers don’t feel pressure to take action.
“I think it’s more that we’re adding a really talented player and kind of see where things play out,” Gomes said of bolstering the team’s infield depth with Kim.
“I don’t know if you noticed our injuries last year, but it’s helpful to have really strong pieces at a lot of different areas. So that’s how we’re viewing it right now. We don’t feel like there’s anything necessarily that we need to do.”
Are Dodgers trying to trade Gavin Lux?
Despite multiple indications of wanting to keep Lux in the fold, the Dodgers reportedly included him in trade talks for Devin Williams before the Milwaukee Brewers traded him to the New York Yankees.
Lux is also believed to have drawn trade interest from the Yankees and may be a target for the Seattle Mariners.
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