What do you get for the team that has nearly everything? How about a speedster.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired outfielder Esteury Ruiz in a trade with the A’s. The A’s had designated Ruiz for assignment on Sunday, and a few days later, they traded him to the Dodgers for pitcher Carlos Duran.
Ruiz, 26, is best known for leading the league with 67 stolen bases for the A’s in 2023. Ruiz played in 132 games and batted .254 with a .654 OPS that season. Last season he batted .200 with a .652 OPS in 29 games. He had 5 stolen bases in 9 attempts.
Ruiz is not expected to be part of the Dodgers’ regular lineup any time soon. He is being sent to Triple-A to begin the season. If he plays well, he could eventually be called up and would give the Dodgers an excellent speed option off the bench. For now, they seem to be content just giving him an opportunity to see what he can do in a new environment.
