The Los Angeles Dodgers have already made two significant changes this week. They designated Chris Taylor and Austin Barnes for assignment. Could they make a trade soon?
The Dodgers' lineup, when healthy, is starting to take shape. Tommy Edman has spent most of his time at second base, and figures to be the primary second baseman. First base, catcher, shortstop and third base have remained consistent in who's playing. The outfield, however, could be due for a change.
The Dodgers' primary outfield trio figures to be Teoscar Hernández, Andy Pages and Michael Conforto. The only problem with that is that Conforto has been bad at the plate this year. He is hitting just .171. The Dodgers will not have to look far if they want to replace Conforto in the outfield. Betts is a six-time Gold Glover, but moving him back to right field would require the Dodgers to add a shortstop. AthlonSports' Jon Conahan suggested the Dodgers trade for Bo Bichette of the Toronto Blue Jays.
"Not only could they add him and make him play shortstop, but the move could also send Mookie Betts back to the outfield," wrote Conahan. "If the Dodgers were to add Betts to the outfield, Bichette to the middle of their lineup at shortstop, and ensure that Michael Conforto isn't getting any at-bats, this lineup could look much different."
Bichette is playing on a three-year, $33 million deal and will be a free agent after the season. The Blue Jays may not be able to afford him after committing $500 million to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. He is a two-time All-Star and has led the American League in hits twice.
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Since Bichette is just a rental, the Dodgers would not compromise their future. After this season, they could look to make Hyeseong Kim an everyday second baseman and move Edman to the outfield or shortstop. However, Kim is slashing .452/.485/.581 in 14 games, so if the Dodgers think he is ready to play every day, they could just move him or Edman to the outfield to replace Conforto.
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