For a couple of years now, Los Angeles Dodgers young infielder Gavin Lux has tried to deliver on his former top prospect status and establish himself as an MLB star.
He has failed to do so, but that doesn’t mean he has been a disaster.
To the contrary, he went from well-below average in 2019 and 2020 to about average in 2021 to good in 2022.
However, more than ever before, the Dodgers need him to take another step forward in 2023 because Trea Turner is no longer with the team.
He will have one of the middle infield positions to himself, and needs to reach his potential for the Dodgers to have a chance at making the World Series.
The good thing is that he appears to be training with stardom in mind.
No. 9 putting in work. pic.twitter.com/geUWyD24zA
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) January 18, 2023
He is looking a bit bigger, and that’s important with a clear goal in mind: hitting for more power.
Last season, Lux had a fine batting average and OBP, at .276 and .346, respectively.
However, it’s his slugging percentage that is preventing him from being a true star.
At .399, it was less than ideal.
Still, his average and on-base ability, plus his good defense, give him a nice floor.
In fact, he had a 3.0 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) season in 2022, which is very good.
If he can hit more than just six home runs over 471 plate appearances, that would be ideal for Los Angeles.
His minor league performance and scouting report say he is capable of hitting at least 15, perhaps 20.
That would make him a 4.0-WAR player in all likelihood.
He is still young and oozes potential.
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