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3 Dodgers Players Who Will Be on Trade Block in 2020

By Will Coleman

Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager retreats to the dugout during the NLDS against the Nationals.
Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager retreats to the dugout during the NLDS against the Nationals. / Harry How/Getty Images

Just because the Dodgers finessed outfielder Mookie Betts and pitcher David Price from the Red Sox this offseason doesn't mean that Los Angeles is done dealing yet.

If there's anything MLB has taught us these last few seasons, it's that you can never be too comfortable with your roster. Sure, the Dodgers are clear favorites to represent the National League in the next World Series, but that doesn't mean they can't keep adding to their loaded ball club. Los Angeles is still in the hunt to acquire Francisco Lindor and some bullpen reinforcements, and its farm system has a lot of prospects that could serve as nice trade bait. Here are three players the Dodgers will be shopping in 2020.

3. Keibert Ruiz

Dodgers catching prospect Keibert Ruiz catches his breath in the dugout during SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game.
Dodgers catching prospect Keibert Ruiz catches his breath in the dugout during SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game. / Rob Carr/Getty Images

If there's one one prospect that Los Angeles is looking to deal at this point, it's catcher Keibert Ruiz. The 21-year old used to be the organization's No. 1 prospect and is coming off a down year in the minors, which included a season-ending finger injury on his throwing hand. Ruiz was great in the few games he played at the Triple-A level in 2019 but hit just .264 with Double-A Tulsa, where he spent a majority of last season. While Ruiz is still a top-10 catching prospect, he's dropped to No. 4 in LA's system alone, a core fronted by big-league-ready Will Smith, at the moment. The Dodgers can get a lot in return for Ruiz if they act fast.

2. Tony Gonsolin

Dodgers pitcher Tony Gonsolin delivers a pitch during a game against the Rays.
Dodgers pitcher Tony Gonsolin delivers a pitch during a game against the Rays. / John McCoy/Getty Images

So many teams around MLB are short a starting pitcher or two due to injuries, but the Dodgers have an abundance of them. Since acquiring Price from Boston, Los Angeles has less of an immediate use for prospect Tony Gonsolin. After making a nice impression last season in his first major-league stint, the 25-year-old pitcher might overtake Ruiz's place as the most-involved prospect in Dodger trade talks, and a big piece of any Lindor package. Gonsolin went 4-2 with a 2.93 ERA over six starts in 2019, and while Los Angeles could always stash him as an emergency option in case their pitching staff has any injuries of its own, there's also never been a better time to trade him.

1. Corey Seager

Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager, right, high-fives manager Dave Roberts on his way back into the dugout during a game against the Mets.
Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager, right, high-fives manager Dave Roberts on his way back into the dugout during a game against the Mets. / Harry How/Getty Images

Not long ago, shortstop Corey Seager was the prized gem of the Dodgers' future crop of talent. After winning the 2016 Rookie of the Year award and making consecutive All-Star appearances, Seager faced a singificant reality check. A UCL strain forced him to undergo Tommy John surgery, and most of his 2018 season was a lost cause. The 25-year-old was fairly efficient in his return last season, but he doesn't appear to be the same offensive threat he once was. Seager is set to make $7.6 million in 2020 before a third round of arbitration in 2021, but it's safe to assume Los Angeles already has their shortstop on their trading block. If the Dodgers want a chance at hauling in Lindor, they'll have no choice but to include Seager in the deal, for the purposes of balance.