While the Los Angeles Dodgers have parted with several prospects in trades over the past handful of years, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has additionally remained steadfast in his refusal to include certain Minor League players in deals.
The list most notably includes Corey Seager, Cody Bellinger, Julio Urias, Gavin Lux and Dustin May. Lux and May were in the spotlight this past season as the Dodgers were connected to an array of players at the trade deadline.
Much of that speculation was tied to scenarios with the Pittsburgh Pirates. They reportedly coveted Lux, May and Keibert Ruiz in a potential trade for Felipe Vazquez. The Dodgers ultimately deemed the asking price too steep, and Vazquez has since been the subject of heinous charges.
As the Dodgers again evaluate options to improve their roster, Lux finds himself at the center of more trade speculation. According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Dodgers are not entertaining trading their top prospect:
Dodgers have rebuffed some teams that have called with interest in Gavin Lux. LA is said to like Anthony Rendon though it remains unclear how they’d clear room for him. Justin Turner has generously volunteered to switch position but Dodgers have Max Muncy at 1B and Lux at 2B.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 8, 2019
Lux began the 2019 season with Double-A Tulsa, then spent time playing for Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to receiving his first call-up. Lux had a memorable MLB debut and had an encouraging showing over 23 games with L.A.
He was included on the Dodgers’ active roster for the National League Division Series and 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 home run in his first postseason plate appearance, the youngest player in Dodgers franchise history to slug a postseason homer, and their first to leave the yard in his first at-bat in the playoffs.
While the Dodgers appear intent on keeping Lux, what next season will entail is unclear. He played second base for the club this year but a domino effect may squeeze him out of that position if the Dodgers are to sign Anthony Rendon or trade for Francisco Lindor.
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