After failing to sign any of the top three free agents, the Los Angeles Dodgers appear to have shifted their focus to a potential Francisco Lindor trade with the Cleveland Indians. In discussions the Indians are believed to covet Gavin Lux and Dustin May.
The two prospects were the subject of trade interest at the deadline this past season, though the Dodgers largely refused to entertain including either in discussions. It’s a similar stance the club previously took with Cody Bellinger and Walker Buehler.
Although Lux played second base upon making his MLB debut this year, he widely is viewed as the Dodgers’ shortstop of the future. With respect to Lindor, some within the Dodgers organization believe Lux has the potential to develop into the same caliber of player, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
Lux, Dodgers officials believe, eventually might be as good as Lindor, a two-time Gold Glove winner and four-time All-Star.
Lux’s rapid rise this year saw him quickly make the jump from Double-A Tulsa to Triple-A Oklahoma City before earning his first MLB call-up. He was named the 2019 Minor League Player of the Year by Baseball America.
Lux impressed enough over 23 regular-season games with the Dodgers that he was included on their active roster for the National League Division Series. The 22-year-old then made franchise history with a pinch-hit home run in Game 1.
At 21 years and 314 days old, he became the second-youngest player in MLB history to hit a homer in his first postseason plate appearance, the youngest player in Dodgers franchise history to slug one in the postseason, and their first to leave the yard in his first at-bat in the playoffs.
Beyond the Dodgers having the utmost confidence in Lux’s ability to develop into an All-Star caliber player, he represents six years of club control. Comparatively, Lindor is due to become a free agent after the 2021 season.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our live shows, and more!
