Mookie Betts is presently serving as the shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers on a permanent basis. Although there’s a chance that Willy Adames might join the team during the 2024 season, a prominent national reporter suggests that any potential trade involving Adames is improbable until closer to the annual MLB trade deadline. Jon Morosi, from MLB Network, conveyed to Doug McKain of DodgersNation.com that the Milwaukee Brewers are unlikely to part ways with their starting shortstop Adames before the trade deadline arrives later this season.

“I’d be a little surprised if they made that move right now. And I think that if it was going to happen, it would’ve happened by now. … I tend to think that they’ll revisit that conversation around the trade deadline time.”

— MLB Network’s Jon Morosi,

During the offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers opted to deploy Mookie Betts at second base, following his versatile performance across right field, second base, and shortstop positions during the 2023 season. Betts’ adaptability across multiple roles proved beneficial for the Dodgers and contributed to his impressive second-place finish in the National League MVP race.

Meanwhile, Gavin Lux regained his starting role as shortstop during spring training after recovering from knee surgery that sidelined him for the entire previous season. However, Lux’s return to form was not as successful as hoped.

This sparked speculation that the Dodgers might seek outside reinforcements for the shortstop position. Recent reports, as recent as a week ago, suggested that the team’s management remained keen on acquiring shortstop Willy Adames.

At present, Betts holds the shortstop position for the Dodgers, and Lux’s shift to second base is not under consideration until the conclusion of the season. Adames continues to play for the Milwaukee Brewers.

This arrangement is likely to persist unless the Milwaukee front office decides to undergo a rebuilding phase in 2024. The competition in the National League Central division is notably fierce this year, particularly with the Brewers trading Corbin Burnes to Baltimore and dealing with the absence of pitcher Brandon Woodruff due to shoulder surgery.

The Dodgers have their own reasons for delaying potential trade talks.

“I’m sure they’re still open to the conversation. I’m just not sure that we’re going to see it happen right now, especially because if the Dodgers make that trade, they’ll probably have to give up some of the pitching depth that they need right now. So, for a lot of reasons, I don’t see it happening. Never say never. But I would say, check back with that conversation some time in July.”

— Morosi

Should Lux and Betts develop a solid rapport on the field and demonstrate strong performance at the plate, there is a likelihood that any trade rumors will dissipate altogether.