Dodgers trade Manuel Margot to make room for fan-favorite free agent signing

When the Dodgers traded Ryan Pepiot and Jonny DeLuca to the Rays in return for Tyler Glasnow and Manuel Margot, pretty much every name that wasn't Glasnow's was lost in the midst of conversations about a possible extension, which almost immediately came to fruition after the deal was done. Margot certainly wasn't a bad get for the Dodgers, but it was hard to tell where he'd factor into the lineup and outfield, especially after Teoscar Hernández was signed to play left field.

Consequently, Margot seemed like an easy trade candidate for the Dodgers as a serviceable bat and above-average outfielder, who could also net LA a depth option to keep down in Triple-A or an exciting prospect to keep an eye on.

Turns out, that's exactly the play the Dodgers were angling for, while also using the cleared roster spot to bring back a familiar face. Per Juan Toribio of MLB.com, Margot will head to the Minnesota Twins' spring training facility in Florida after only getting six at-bats in a Dodger uniform at Camelback. Per Jon Heyman, they'll get infield prospect Noah Miller in return.

They'll also get ... Kiké Hernández, who always wanted to be a Dodger, despite posting a farewell on his Instagram story earlier in the day. The Twins, Padres, Giants and Angels were thought to be the finalists for Hernández. Maybe they were ... until the Dodgers got creative, that is.

Manuel Margot traded to Twins to make room for surprise re-signing Kiké Hernández

Although flipping him seemed like an obvious move from the beginning, the trade could've been spurred on a bit by the fact that Margot hasn't managed to get a hit down during Dodgers' spring training after two starts. However, it could also have just boiled down to a lack of a place for him in the Dodgers' very crowded lineup. (Teoscar) Hernández will start in left and Jason Heyward will man right, with Chris Taylor filling in when necessary. Margot has had some okay offensive years, but the Dodgers already have tried and true bench bats to rely upon. (Kiké) Hernández will certainly represent a more trusted and versatile option.

Miller, a shortstop and second baseman coming over from the Twins, was a first-round draft pick for Minnesota in 2021 and their No. 23 prospect in 2023. He was still in High-A as of last year, so he won't see the major leagues for some time, but the Dodgers' acquisition of him marks another addition of a highly-ranked prospect who could make an impact on the organization down the line.

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