Where to begin a discussion about the Dodgers shortstop options next season?
Of course, center field!
Remember the following paragraph from the ‘Center Field Option‘ article (November 26, 2024)?
Number one on my list is Daulton Varsho, the 28-year-old center fielder for the Toronto Blue Jays. His lifetime offense is marginal (96 wRC+; 4% below Major League average), but his defense is legit Gold-Glove-quality, with speed and above average arm strength. Adding Varsho would make 29-year-old utility infielder/outfielder Tommy Edman the Dodgers regular shortstop, pairing with second baseman Mookie Betts for a center-of-the-diamond defense that Dodgers pitchers would relish.
(MLB.com)
There are several other center field options for the team with the bottom line of making Tommy Edman the Dodgers regular shortstop in 2025.
But, there are other shortstop options the Dodgers could pursue if they prefer Edman in center field.
The team could take advantage of Edman’s all-around defensive talent by platooning him on the infield with Miguel Rojas and in the outfield with Andy Pages, or an outfielder not currently on the roster (Harrison Bader? Austin Hays? Kiké Hernández?).
The Dodgers continue to publicly support Mookie Betts as an option at the critical “6” position, but he has demonstrated that his best infield position is second base. Put Mookie at second and leave him there. Of course, that raises the question of where to play Gavin Lux; another topic.
Free agency options for a regular shortstop are limited, with 29-year-old Willy Adames by far the best and most expensive available (Ha-Seong Kim is a distant second). Adames would come with concerns about his declining defensive skills that may give the Dodgers pause considering the projected, long-term price tag ($150M – $180M).
Trading for a regular shortstop is problematic as other teams highly value that position. Peruse the stats of the regular shortstops over the last two seasons and those that might be available in trade seem to be limited to the 27-year-old Nico Hoerner (Chicago Cubs).
(Chris Sweda – Chicago Tribune)
What would the Dodgers have to give up for Hoerner? Reportedly, the Cubs are looking for a catcher and pitching (starting and bullpen). A Dodgers package of catcher Hunter Feduccia, second baseman Gavin Lux, and pitcher Landon Knack might be enough to put Hoerner at shortstop in 2025-26 (and possibly longer if extended).
Another shortstop trade target might be Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis. The 25-year-old, SoCal native was the first pick in the 2017 MLB entry draft. A natural shortstop, Lewis is not going to supplant Carlos Correa at the position. It would take a lot for the Twins to part with the multi-talented Lewis, but he is worth a lot. Perhaps a package of second baseman Gavin Lux, catcher Hunter Feduccia, outfielder James Outman, and pitching prospect Landon Knack?
Like Lewis, Cincinnati Reds middle infielder Matt McLain is a 25-year-old, SoCal native who was drafted by the Reds in the 2021 entry draft (17th overall) as a shortstop. After a stellar rookie season in 2023 (finished fifth in NL ROY voting), missed all of the 2024 season recovering from shoulder surgery (now fully recovered, played in the recent Arizona Fall League). Reds considering a move to CF for McLain, but his desire is to play middle infield.
Trading for McLain may be as simple, or complicated, as an even exchange for outfielder Andy Pages. Simple in that it is a one-for-one swap of talented players who play different positions, with several years of team control. Complicated by making the Dodgers thin in the outfield and their best outfield prospects are several years away from the majors.
One shortstop trade option that comes with more risk, but high reward is Oswald Peraza, the New York Yankees 24-year-old, five tool talent prospect who has yet to demonstrate that he can successfully make the jump to the Majors. Gavin Lux and reliever Ryan Braiser might be enough to add Peraza to the Dodgers shortstop competition.
What do you think Dodgers fans? Who should be the Dodgers regular shortstop? Is Edman your choice, or do you prefer Tommy in center field?
Perhaps you have other, better suggestions for the teams middle infield in 2025 and beyond. Love to read your thoughts.
Go Dodgers!
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