11 Dodgers most likely to be traded after Jason Heyward signing

Group 1: Gavin Lux, Michael Busch, Miguel Vargas

Here's where it gets more dicey. Lux was in an MLB.com proposed trade that saw the Dodgers get Corbin Burnes and Willy Adames in return. Busch has been an eternal trade candidate, especially after his lack of usage in the second half of 2023. Vargas was long considered a cornerstone, but the Dodgers gave him a shot and had no choice but to send him back down to Triple-A for the remainder of 2023 after he faltered.

It's very much hard to see at least two of these players eating up 40-man spots come Opening Day. The Dodgers have already perhaps telegraphed their plans, too, claiming Busch and Vargas will get corner outfield reps (why?) and not fully committing to Lux as their starting shortstop, instead claiming "the plan" is for Lux to "log a good amount of starts" at the position in 2024. What kind of contender has a part-time shortstop?

Their trade values might not be sky-high, but teams looking to shake things up could be valuing them as youthful, controllable, change-of-scenery candidates. The Dodgers will have to give to get, but they'll also be eyeing smaller deals to improve their immediate future. Call us crazy, but right now, Lux, Busch and Vargas probably aren't elevating the Dodgers in 2024.

So what makes anybody think that'll be the case from 2025-2029?