MlbTrades
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MlbTrades
Dodgers Acquire 2023 AL Steals Leader Esteury Ruiz from Athletics
about 1 year agoUS
### [H2] Introduction
The Los Angeles Dodgers have added exceptional speed to their organization, acquiring outfielder Esteury Ruiz, the American League's stolen base leader in 2023, from the Oakland Athletics. This move comes just days after the A's designated Ruiz for assignment.
Key Insights
[H2] Key Insights
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Trade Details: The Dodgers acquired OF Esteury Ruiz from the Athletics in exchange for minor league RHP Carlos Duran.
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Elite Speed: Ruiz led the American League with 67 stolen bases in 2023.
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Offensive Struggles: Despite the steals, Ruiz posted a modest .254/.309/.345 slash line (85 wRC+) in 2023.
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Injury-Marred 2024: Ruiz's 2024 season was significantly impacted by a left wrist strain and season-ending arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.
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A's DFA: Oakland designated Ruiz for assignment following his 2024 struggles and to make room on their 40-man roster.
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Dodgers' Plan: Ruiz will be optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. The Dodgers cleared a 40-man spot by transferring RHP Kyle Hurt (Tommy John surgery) to the 60-day IL.
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Why this matters: The Dodgers add a low-cost, high-speed asset for depth and potential late-game impact, hoping their development system can unlock more offensive potential. The A's acquire a pitching prospect in Duran.
In-Depth Analysis
[H2] In-Depth Analysis
Esteury Ruiz's journey through MLB has been notable. Acquired by the A's in the three-team Sean Murphy trade after stints in the Padres and Brewers systems (notably involved in the Josh Hader trade), Ruiz made an immediate impact with his speed in 2023. However, his offensive production (.254/.309/.345, 85 wRC+) didn't match his baserunning prowess, and defensive metrics were mixed despite his athleticism.
A difficult 2024 season, marked by a significant left wrist injury and subsequent right knee surgery, further complicated his standing with the Athletics. Combined with the rise of other outfield options, the A's designated Ruiz for assignment when claiming pitcher Angel Perdomo off waivers.
For the Dodgers, this is a low-risk acquisition. They utilize an open 40-man roster spot (created by moving Kyle Hurt, recovering from Tommy John surgery, to the 60-day IL) to add an elite speed tool. Ruiz, who has minor league options remaining, will head to Triple-A Oklahoma City. The Dodgers' development system will work with him to see if his bat can become more consistent. Even if his hitting doesn't significantly improve, his speed makes him a valuable potential weapon off the bench, especially in tight postseason games, similar to roles previously filled by players like Terrance Gore.
The Athletics receive Carlos Duran, a tall (6'7") right-handed pitcher with upside. Duran, 23, showed promise in the Dodgers' system, although he has dealt with injuries himself. This move aligns with the A's focus on acquiring pitching prospects.
FAQs
[H2] FAQs
Why did the Athletics trade Esteury Ruiz?
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A: Ruiz was designated for assignment after an injury-plagued 2024 season and struggles at the plate in 2023. The emergence of other outfielders like Lawrence Butler and JJ Bleday also limited his role, and the A's opted to acquire pitching prospect Carlos Duran instead of keeping Ruiz on the 40-man roster.
What role will Ruiz play for the Dodgers?
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A: Initially, Ruiz will report to the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate. He provides organizational depth and elite speed. If called up, he could serve as a pinch-running specialist, particularly in late-game or postseason situations, and potentially fill in defensively in center field or even second base, a position he played in the minors.
Who is Carlos Duran?
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A: Carlos Duran is a 23-year-old, 6-foot-7 right-handed pitcher who was in the Dodgers' minor league system. He pitched across three levels in 2024, posting a 3.71 ERA according to MLB.com, and showing strikeout potential.
Key Takeaways
[H2] Takeaways for Readers
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Potential Impact: The Dodgers gain a potentially high-impact player for specific situations (pinch-running) at minimal acquisition cost. If Ruiz can improve his hitting in Triple-A, he could offer more.
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What to Watch: Monitor Ruiz's performance in the minors. His speed could make him a factor for the Dodgers later in the season or in the playoffs, even if just as a specialist off the bench.
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A's Perspective: The Athletics continue to cycle through players, opting for future potential in pitcher Carlos Duran over Ruiz's specialized skillset.
Discussion
This trade adds an interesting speed dynamic to the Dodgers' system. Do you think Ruiz can refine his hitting and become a regular contributor, or will he primarily be a late-game threat on the basepaths?
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Sources & References
[H2] Sources & References
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Source 1: Dodgers get 2023 AL steals leader Ruiz in trade with A's target="_blank"
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Source 2: Dodgers Acquire Esteury Ruiz - MLB Trade Rumors target="_blank"
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Source 3: Dodgers acquire Esteury Ruiz in trade with Athletics - ESPN target="_blank"
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