Dodgers claim former Cardinals 2nd-round pick off waivers and play mind games during series

Just ahead of their first game against the Cardinals at Dodger Stadium, the Dodgers added another reclamation project to their Triple-A roster for some extra infield depth. Former Cardinals second-round Luken Baker was placed on waivers (though it's unclear exactly when), and the Dodgers snapped him up. They designated carousel reliever Jack Little for assignment as the corresponding move.

The Dodgers have picked up multiple relievers on the waiver wire or through minor league deals or small trades this year, but Baker joins a smaller group of position players in that same boat. LA traded for speedy Athletics outfielder Esteury Ruiz on April 2, and they signed Nick Senzel, a former Reds first-round draft pick, to a minor league deal on May 1.

Baker is a former top-30 prospect for the Cardinals, peaking in 2022 at No. 17. He's gotten a few brief stints in the majors every year since 2023 and last appeared this season on May 7, when he hit a pinch-hit double against the Pirates and eventually went on to score.

He has a lifetime .206/.317/.338 line in 73 major league games so far.

Dodgers claim longtime Cardinals farmhand, second-round pick Luken Baker during series vs. St. Louis

Little has been a longtime Dodgers farmhand, taken in the fifth round of the 2019 draft. He's never been a top prospect but got his major league debut this season, when he gave up two runs in two innings to the Padres on June 19. He last appeared in the majors on July 5 against the Astros, when he pitched a clean inning.

Baker has, at times, been an incredible minor league batter. His call-up in 2023 was thanks in large part to his .313 average and 1.075 OPS in Triple-A through June 2. He finished the season .334/1.159 between multiple short stints in the majors.

His 2024 season in the minors wasn't quite as good but was still respectable (.231/.880), and he's struggled signifcantly this season, with a sub-.200 batting average and .706 OPS.

Baker has never appeared at a position other than first base and DH, so he really just seems to be insurance in the event that Freddie Freeman ever needs an IL stint. The Dodgers don't have many top prospects in Triple-A and only one infielder (SS/2B Noah Miller), so Baker will join Senzel and a crop of farmhands in Oklahoma City to try to impress in the event of an untimely injury in the majors.