Dodgers: How Three Key Pieces Landed in Los Angeles

Austin Barnes; C/INF

The kid from Riverside was taken in the eighth round of the 2011 Major League Draft by the Miami Marlins. At the time the Dodgers landed him in a huge 2014 offseason trade, Barnes was a 25-year-old prospect ranked #13 overall in their system. The trade came at the perfect time for the Dodgers, as they were able to bolster their farm system for the future. The Dodgers also had to part ways with veteran Dan Haren as well as infielders Dee Gordon and Miguel Rojas.

In return, Los Angeles received Andrew Heaney, Enrique Hernandez, Chris Hatcher, and of course Austin Barnes. Barnes eventually made his major league debut with the Dodgers in 2015, impressing with his defensive poise. Barnes has since added his offensive prowess to the long list of reasons Los Angeles won out on that trade in late 2014. He hit 289 in 2017 en route to eventually taking over the starting job from incumbent Yasmani Grandal.

Regardless of how last year went, Barnes certainly has cemented himself as a viable starting option for Los Angeles. Look for him to have a monster year in 2018 as management puts their full confidence in him.

Next: Chris Taylor