Dodgers' previous plans with Gavin Lux could take sharp turn after Hyeseong Kim signing

Heading into the offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers stated they were planning on a middle infield combination of Mookie Betts at shortstop and Gavin Lux at second base. However, those plans are subject to change after they agreed to a three-year deal with infielder Hyeseong Kim from the Korean Baseball Organization.

Following the signing, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reported that the Dodgers see Kim in a "super utility role".

Reading between the lines, Ardaya's post on X uses the phrase "have said" when discussing the team's infield plans. Kim's most commonly played position with the Kiwoom Heroes was second base, notching three KBO Gold Gloves overseas.

The phrasing is notable, as the Dodgers certainly don't want to give up any leverage when they shop around Lux in the trade market.

Hyeseong Kim signing blocks Gavin Lux's path to consistent playing time with Dodgers

With both Kim and Lux being left-handed bats, it's going to be tough to get both players consistent playing time. Betts and Freddie Freeman are fixtures at shortstop and first base, and Max Muncy will play third against right-handed pitching. That doesn't leave a lot of at-bats left between the two middle infielders, with maybe 450-475 plate appearances to divvy up at the keystone.

With an issue of playing time, the natural question is what happens to Lux? He has two years of control left, which could make him an attractive trade target for a team looking to improve their lineup. In 2024, he hit .251 with 10 home runs and a .703 OPS as the primary part of the platoon at second base for the Dodgers. As a controllable player, they could look to move him for a prospect-focused return and/or pitching depth.

It's not a given that the Dodgers will trade Lux for the sake of freeing up space. There is more certainty his bat will play against major league pitching than Kim's, with a 101 career OPS+ in 1,490 plate appearances. Lux would be the primary starter, in that case, although he would likely be giving way to Kim as a defensive replacement in late and close games. That would mean a step back from Lux's 117 starts and 487 plate appearances last season in 2025 if the two players end up sharing the infield for Los Angeles.

The Dodgers still have work to do to complete their bench, needing at least one more right-handed bat to aid against left-handed pitching. Thanks to Chris Taylor, who can cover multiple positions on the infield and outfield, they don't have to address any specific position to get that bat.

If they decide to use Taylor more in the outfield, they could bring back fan favorite Kiké Hernandez to complete the third base platoon with Muncy. In the other scenario, they could target bats such as Randal Grichuk, Austin Hays, or Lane Thomas. However, the Dodgers would have to trade Lux to make room for any of those guys.