The Los Angeles Dodgers reaped the benefits of their talented farm system during the 2019 season, receiving contributions from a plethora of rookies and first-year players.
Chief among them was Gavin Lux, who ascended in multiple prospect rankings after tearing the cover off the ball with Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City.
He was promoted for his MLB debut at the start of September and quickly carved out a role for himself at second base. In 23 regular season games, he hit .240/.305/.400 with four doubles, one triple, two home runs and nine RBI across 82 plate appearances.
Lux showed promise and earned a spot on the Dodgers’ National League Division Series roster. He appeared in four of the five games — starting at second base in three of them — and most notably made franchise history hit a home run in his first career postseason at-bat.
The 21-year-old posted an .856 on-base plus slugging in nine plate appearances against the Washington Nationals, gaining valuable experience ahead of his first full season as a Major Leaguer.
Lux was recently on hand at Dodger Stadium for a special Veteran’s Day batting practice and revealed that he took roughly two weeks off at the start of the offseason before resuming workouts. “About 12 days of doing absolutely nothing,” Lux said of his start to the offseason.
“Just trying to mentally and physically reset. I got bored and started getting the itch again, so I started working out. Whether it’s lighter or harder, just been trying to get after it and figure it out for 2020.”
Lux additionally mentioned he has been working closely with Dodgers strength and conditioning coach Brandon McDaniel.
While it remains to be seen how big of a role Lux will have next season, he noted his desire of becoming the Dodgers’ starting second baseman. That will likely depend on what offseason moves the club has in store.
With Justin Turner expressing a willingness to move to first base, the Dodgers have already been linked to a pair of All-Star third basemen in Anthony Rendon and Josh Donaldson.
Trading for Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor is also a possibility. Such a move would force Corey Seager to change positions unless he is included in that deal or a separate trade.
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