Dodgers notes!

In the 2023 baseball season, the Dodgers showcased one of the top offenses, led by the formidable duo of Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. While their performance was impressive, heading into the 2024 season, there is a notable concern in the team’s lineup, particularly regarding the depth at the shortstop position.

Following Gavin Lux’s ACL injury during spring training last year, Miguel Rojas took on the starting shortstop role but delivered below-average offensive stats, hitting only five home runs throughout the season. This marked the first time since 2015, with Jimmy Rollins, that a primary Dodgers shortstop had a wRC+ below 100.

Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports that Lux has been actively training at Dodger Stadium during the offseason, aiming to reclaim the starting shortstop position for the upcoming 2024 season. Lux, who is feeling healthier, needs to demonstrate his ability to make lateral moves and plays on his surgically repaired knee during the crucial spring training. The Dodgers are likely to rely on the 26-year-old Lux as their starting shortstop.

In other news, new details about Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s contract have been disclosed. Ronald Blum of the Associated Press reveals that Yamamoto has two opt-out clauses linked to the health of his elbow. If he undergoes Tommy John surgery or spends 134 consecutive service days on the injured list due to a right elbow injury from 2024-29, he can opt out after the 2031 and 2033 World Series. Alternatively, if he avoids surgery and significant time on the IL for an elbow issue, he can opt out after the 2029 and 2031 World Series.

Since his major league debut in 2019, Will Smith has established himself as one of baseball’s premier catchers, earning his first All-Star selection in the recent season. Dodgers bench coach Danny Lehman praised Smith’s commitment to improvement, highlighting his daily dedication to enhancing his skills, particularly in blocking, and his openness to continuous development.