Despite losing many key players in the offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers are having a good season. They currently sit in second place just three games behind the surprising upstart Arizona Diamondbacks. However, their lineup has a glaring hole at the shortstop position. While we knew that the shortstop position was going to be questionable heading into the season, nobody anticipated it being this bad. If the Dodgers want to have a chance at winning the division and making the postseason, Los Angeles must address this need at the deadline. I believe Tim Anderson would fill this need perfectly.
The Dodgers Shortstop Problems
It’s no secret that expectations were low for the Dodgers at the shortstop position. The Dodgers let Trea Turner leave in free agency and originally planned starter Gavin Lux tore his ACL in spring training. This now meant the Dodgers would roll into the season with Miguel Rojas as the shortstop. It was a less-than-ideal situation, but the Dodgers were banking on Rojas at least being a competent placeholder. It’s safe to say that this plan hasn’t worked out.
Miguel Rojas has been awful this season. He currently has an embarrassing OPS of .504 with no homers and just six RBI. Had Rojas been on any other team, he would more than likely have been designated for assignment. While Chris Taylor is having a productive season, the Dodgers don’t want to lose his versatility by restricting him to just shortstop.
Tim Anderson Is Having a Down Season
Early in the season, Tim Anderson was forced to miss several weeks with a sprained right knee. Since coming back, Anderson hasn’t been having the greatest season. He currently has an OPS of .623 with no homers and 10 RBI. While Anderson has been having a career-worst year so far, he’d be a significant upgrade over Rojas. Up to this point, Anderson has been one of the more consistent hitters in all of baseball. Given he missed several weeks of the season due to injury, Anderson is still trying to get his groove back. However, the upside that he’d bring would be very significant given how great he has been over the past four years.
A Change of Scenery Might Help and the Cost Isn’t High
While he hasn’t said it publicly, Tim Anderson probably wants a change of scenery given the state of the Sox. With the White Sox looking to rebuild again and needing to reload the farm system, this makes him expendable. Anderson also has a club option in his contract, which means the Dodgers could keep him for another season. With just a year of control left, the Dodgers wouldn’t have to give up top-level prospects for Anderson. Not only would the Dodgers be able to potentially solidify the position long-term but they can keep their top prospects at home.
The Dodgers Farm System Is Top Heavy
The Dodgers farm system is ranked second only behind the Baltimore Orioles. With how top-level heavy the Dodgers are in talent both in the minors and at the big-league level. Heading into the 2023 season, they had seven players who cracked MLB’s top 100 prospects list. Los Angeles has no shortage of players to make the deal happen. With Chicago needing to replenish their farm system, the Dodgers have all the leverage over the Sox front office.
The Trade Fills a Need for Both the Dodgers and White Sox
The Dodgers need a shortstop and Tim Anderson is the best one available this coming trade deadline. Chicago needs to re-up their farm system and the Dodgers are loaded with young talent in their minor leagues. This deal would be perfect for both clubs. The Sox would add more talent to their farm system and the Dodgers would get the shortstop position solidified.
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