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The trade deadline frenzy is in full swing, and a big trade has already been made. The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired shortstop Amed Rosario from the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for starting pitcher Noah Syndergaard.
One of the weaker spots in this Dodgers lineup is the shortstop position, with veteran infielder Miguel Rojas taking the bulk of starts at the premier position. Despite their lineup being ravaged by injury and inconsistency, the Dodgers still sit atop the competitive NL West with a 58-43 record.
Amed Rosario's fit on this Dodgers team is still in question, especially with the Dodgers trading for Red Sox shortstop Enrique Hernandez. What will Rosario's role be? We'll dive into that and the fantasy baseball impact of this trade.
Amed Rosario's Fit With The Dodgers
Amed Rosario had cemented himself as the everyday shortstop for the Cleveland Guardians. However, he was amidst one of the worst seasons of his career, slashing .265/.306/.369 with three home runs, 40 RBI, 51 runs, and nine stolen bases in 94 games with Cleveland.
He also stood as one of the worst defenders in the league. His -15 OAA mark is tied with Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber as the worst in the league.
Despite his struggles, he is an immediate upgrade over Miguel Rojas. Rojas has played in 74 games this season, slashing a pitiful .221/.279/.268 with a -0.1 fWAR.
The move to acquire shortstop Enrique Hernandez from the Red Sox may look like a threat to Rosario, but Hernandez will likely fill a different role.
Throughout his career, Hernandez had mainly functioned as a utility man, playing in every position but catcher during his time with the Dodgers from 2015-2020. His role as Boston's starting shortstop was given out of necessity, as star shortstop Trevor Story would be sidelined for several months because of an elbow injury. Hernandez's -13 OAA at the shortstop position this year likely prevents the Dodgers from seriously considering him there.
Amed Rosario isn't guaranteed any playing time in this Dodgers lineup. Though with a .822 OPS against left-handed pitchers, Rosario should be in for, at least, a platoon role at shortstop against left-handed pitchers. And despite his struggles against right-handed pitchers (.617 OPS against RHP in 2023) and abysmal defense at shortstop, he should still compete with the struggling Miguel Rojas for playing time against RHP.
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