Despite a recent dip in performance, losing two of three games to the Washington Nationals and four of their last six, the Los Angeles Dodgers still maintain a solid 10-4 record early in the 2025 season. However, a strong start doesn’t preclude the front office from exploring potential upgrades to the team’s roster in various areas on the field.
Currently, the Dodgers have former Korea Baseball Organization standout Hyeseong Kim gaining valuable experience at second base, shortstop, and center field with Triple-A Oklahoma City. Additionally, Tommy Edman offers defensive versatility, capable of playing the same three positions, if not more, providing internal options for the team.
MLB Analyst Suggests the Los Angeles Dodgers Trade For Padres’ Second Baseman
However, Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report suggests that a trade with their National League West rivals, the San Diego Padres, for infielder Luis Arraez could be a strategic move if the Dodgers are not entirely convinced about relying on Kim or Edman as their primary second baseman.
Miller posits that the Dodgers might prioritize upgrading the position that is easier to address via trade, potentially solidifying Edman as the everyday starter at the other key position (center field). He wrote on Thursday, “The lowest hanging fruit is arguably whichever of 2B/CF is easier to upgrade, with Tommy Edman becoming fully entrenched as the starter at the other. And with several other contenders likely to be in the market for a center fielder, second base is probably the answer.”
While acquiring Arraez would undoubtedly enhance an already formidable Dodgers lineup, the Padres might be hesitant to trade a player of his caliber to a division rival. San Diego would particularly risk regret if Arraez were to perform well against his former team in crucial postseason series like the National League Division Series or Championship Series.
Through the Padres’ first 13 games of 2025, Arraez is hitting .283 with a .693 OPS, establishing himself as one of baseball’s premier contact hitters. Although he has primarily played first base for San Diego this season, he boasts significant experience at second base throughout his seven-year career, with 345 games played at the position.
However, Arraez is not renowned for his defensive prowess, having accumulated -34 outs above average at second base throughout his career. Offensively, his exceptional bat-to-ball skills are noteworthy; in 2024, Arraez had an impressive streak of 141 plate appearances without a strikeout, the longest such streak since Juan Pierre’s 147 in 2004, according to MLB.com’s AJ Cassavell.
With Arraez set to become a free agent at the end of the season, the Padres’ willingness to trade him within the division remains a significant question mark.