Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Gavin Lux has slowly, but surely become an effective starter for them.
He has grown a lot as a hitter in the last couple of seasons, although expectations dictate he has another gear to hit.
In 471 plate appearances in 2022, the former top prospect slashed .276/.346/.399 with six home runs and a 113 wRC+.
He accumulated 3.0 fWAR.
That line represents growth and maturation, as he had accumulated a meager 1.4 fWAR in his first three MLB seasons combined.
He has a golden chance to run away with a regular gig in the Dodgers’ infield picture.
“With the Dodgers losing some big names in the offseason, Andrew Friedman believes @TheRealGavinLux can step up in a big way,” MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM tweeted.
With the Dodgers losing some big names in the offseason, Andrew Friedman believes @TheRealGavinLux can step up in a big way. @Dodgers | #Dodgers pic.twitter.com/3Ts4Os3Lo8
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) January 29, 2023
“We think there is even more in the tank,” Friedman (the Dodgers’ head of baseball operations) said about Lux.
His defense is solid, and his contact skills are good.
He also gets on base.
If there is a part of his game that needs development, it’s his power hitting.
If he manages to hit 15-20 homers per season on a consistent basis, he could be a star with his speed and defense.
That’s easier said than done, though, since the only time he hit for double-digit homers was in a couple of minor league stops in 2019.
The Dodgers surely would love to see him lifting the ball consistently.
If he manages to pass that test, there could be a scenario in which he becomes a 5-WAR player with his good defense and speed.
For now, its his contact and on-base skills doing the heavy lifting.
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Obviously the Dodgers need Lux to come through w/their decision not to sign Turner. Personally I like Lux & would love to see him live up to all the hype that he has been given, but I’ve also been a Dodgers fan since 1959 & seen so many so called can’t miss Dodger prospects fold once they hit the majors. I am a fan of Mr. Lux but I’m not going to get to excited until I actually see him meet all of the expectations!