Five Potential 2023 Shortstop Candidates for the Dodgers
It’s no secret the Los Angeles Dodgers will have a different look come 2023. One of the biggest question marks is the status of the shortstop position. Trea Turner manned the position for the last year and a half, but there is uncertainty if he will return, as he is a free agent. Let’s take a look at who could replace him.
Gavin Lux
The Dodgers finally saw infielder (and occasional outfielder) Lux play solidly for a whole season. If LA wanted to go the cheaper route, the 24-year-old mostly played second base but has experience as a shortstop. Lux slashed .276/.346/.399 with a 105 OPS+ and a 2.5 WAR in 2022.
Carlos Correa
One of the more prized players of the free agent class is shortstop Correa. The Dodgers would benefit mightily from his offensive prowess. Last season, he slashed .291/.366/.467 with 22 homers and a 140 OPS+ with the Minnesota Twins.
The only downside is him playing for the cheating 2017 Astros team, who defeated the Dodgers in that year’s World Series. Yet, time moves on, and the fans would have to learn to embrace him if he comes to Los Angeles. He is also the youngest free agent SS at 28 years old.
Dansby Swanson
Another player who’d fit into the Dodgers’ lineup is Swanson. As of today, the shortstop rejected the Braves’ qualifying offer and is officially a free agent. Swanson had an excellent 2022 season with Atlanta, batting .277/.329/.447 with 25 home runs and 96 RBI. He also earned a Gold Glove at SS.
Swanson coming over to LA would be an easier transition, as former Braves teammate Freddie Freeman plays first base for the Dodgers — Swanson and Freeman played together for a combined six seasons.
Xander Bogaerts
Although certainly a reach, Bogaerts would be exceptional in Dodger blue. The 30-year-old has been nothing short of excellent as a member of the Red Sox. In 2023, he batted .307/.377/.456 with a 131 OPS+ and a 5.8 WAR. He was also an All-Star and earned a silver slugger award.
Like Swanson, Bogaerts would be in a familiar company if he were to come to LA. He’d be reunited with former Boston teammate Mookie Betts and perhaps would bat next to each other in the lineup.
Jose Iglesias
If the Dodgers wanted to stay cheap, yet get superb defense, going after Iglesias would be a good move. Although never the best offensively, the 32-year-old could host a masterclass at shortstop.
Iglesias is a throwback shortstop in many regards, not the typical power hitter. He slashed .292/.328/.380 with the Rockies last season. He’d be the last resort option, but very viable if necessary.
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