As the trade season approaches, it’s no surprise that the Los Angeles Dodgers are likely to be active buyers, identifying shortstop as a key position for reinforcement. After losing their primary shortstop, Mookie Betts, to a left-hand fracture, the Dodgers might seek a significant upgrade. While they are currently not in a rush to make a move, this could change within the next month.
The Dodgers are eyeing top-notch shortstops on the market, including former All-Star and current White Sox shortstop Paul DeJong. With the White Sox struggling this season, DeJong is a potential trade candidate. According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Dodgers are one of three teams that could be a fit for DeJong.
“DeJong has already matched his home run total from all of 2023, hitting 14 in his first 70 games with Chicago,” Feinsand wrote. “The 30-year-old’s .751 OPS is his highest since his All-Star season in 2019 (.762), providing great value for his $1.75 million contract. DeJong is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, and with a lack of middle-infield talent expected to be available this summer, he could be a popular target for contenders.”
Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain also mentioned DeJong as one of three shortstops L.A. could target.
“I don’t think it would cost a lot of prospects to get Paul DeJong from the Chicago White Sox,” said McKain. “This isn’t a deal that will make fans rush to buy his jersey, but DeJong is having a quality season. He’s slashing .240/.289/.480 with a 115 WRC+, which is 15% above league average. The pros of Paul DeJong are that he plays shortstop and has pop, with 14 home runs.”
The Dodgers need a quality shortstop, and DeJong could be the solution. As McKain noted, he won’t cost much in terms of prospects and could thrive with the Dodgers, who need additional power hitters besides Betts, Shohei Ohtani, and Teoscar Hernández.
The trade targets are out there; it remains to be seen if the Dodgers will make a move for DeJong or any other available shortstops.
