Do Dodgers really want to sign Willy Adames and trade Gavin Lux?

The Los Angeles Dodgers are moving Mookie Betts back to the infield full-time in 2025, leading to a lot of speculation that the team might sign top free-agent shortstop Willy Adames and trade second baseman Gavin Lux, but it’s not so much a given as many would believe.

“Friedman has long admired Adames, whom he acquired from the Rays at the 2014 trade deadline as part of a package for David Price,” Ken Rosenthal wrote. “But Friedman rarely pays a sticker price for top talent, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto being a notable exception last season, in part because he turned 25. Lest anyone forget, the contracts of Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman all include significant deferrals.”

Adames would be a great fit for the Dodgers on paper, but it remains to be seen whether or not Andrew Friedman will make the financial commitment. He will undoubtedly have a significant market, especially considering he has expressed a willingness to play second or third base for a contending team. Adames’ defensive attributes also dipped at shortstop last season, so there is concern about how long he can be a viable option at the position before potentially leaving the position.

What are the Dodgers’ options for the infield?

Current second baseman Gavin Lux had a strong second half, so the Dodgers and Andrew Friedman could stick with him if Adames is deemed too expensive. Los Angeles could also trade Lux, making Tommy Edman the full-time second baseman and moving Betts to second base full-time.

Of course, the Dodgers could eventually sign Adames, creating an elite shortstop-second base duo with Betts. The Dodgers are arguably the most talented team in the MLB, especially when fully healthy. That infield pair would be one of, if not the best, middle infield in baseball.

The part about the Dodgers for younger players is interesting though. The obvious young free agent this season is Juan Soto, who met with Los Angeles this season. It’s unknown if the Dodgers will compete financially for him with the New York Yankees and New York Mets, but he fits the type of player the Dodgers would spend a lot of money on.

Regardless of offseason moves, the Dodgers will be a top contender for the World Series in 2025 because of their established core. However, it will be interesting to see how many upgrades the roster receives.