The Los Angeles Dodgers traded outfielder AJ Pollock on Friday, and received reliever Craig Kimbrel in return from the Chicago White Sox.
The Dodgers felt the need to replace the departing Kenley Jansen, which makes one wonder why they didn’t re-sign him in the first place.
But the trade is done, and it moves a lot of pieces in the Dodgers’ depth chart, especially on offense.
Pollock was expected to get most of the playing time in left field, but now, Chris Taylor, who was going to be mostly a second baseman, will move back in the field and go to left most of the nights.
That creates a hole at second base, which will likely be solved by playing Gavin Lux there.
The Dodgers Will Likely Give Another Chance To Lux
Lux has been a top prospect for a long time now, but so far has failed to take advantage of his big league chances.
Last season, Lux slashed .242/.328/.364 with seven home runs in 391 plate appearances.
But the franchise remains confident in his abilities.
“Gavin Lux is going to get his chance. I don’t think the #Dodgers were going to give up on their top prospect that quickly. This is the make-it or break-it year for him because he now has Michael Busch knocking at the door. Miguel Vargas is near that door as well at 3B,” TV anchor and reporter Dusty Baker tweeted.
Gavin Lux is going to get his chance. I don’t think the #Dodgers were going to give up on their top prospect that quickly. This is the make-it or break-it year for him because he now has Michael Busch knocking at the door. Miguel Vargas is near that door as well at 3B.
— Dusty Baker (@DustyBakerTV) April 1, 2022
Lux has the ability to hit at least .280 with 20 home runs, and is capable of playing both second base and shortstop.
That’s a very valuable player, but prospects require patience.
Another potential solution for the Dodgers would be keeping Taylor at second and giving more playing time to Edwin Rios in the outfield.
But they appear determined to develop Lux, as they should.
