LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers are not wasting any time in upgrading their roster. Despite remaining undefeated in 2025, they are acquiring center fielder Esteury Ruiz from the Athletics in exchange for right-handed pitcher Carlos Duran. To create space on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers have moved Kyle Hurt to the 60-day injured list.
The 26-year-old was just designated for assignment a few days ago. Ruiz stole 67 bases in 2023 during his rookie season, which led the American League. He batted .254 with 24 doubles and five home runs in 2023.
Ruiz will begin his season with the Dodgers in Triple-A, but he is optimistic about making it to the major leagues if his performance improves. It will be interesting to see how he performs after recovering from last year’s injuries. He suffered a strained left wrist that kept him on the injured list for several months, sidelining him for most of 2024. Additionally, Ruiz underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in September, which ultimately ended his season.
Ruiz can be valuable for a championship team needing a pinch runner late in games, similar to how Dave Roberts was for the 2004 Boston Red Sox.
Regarding Duran, the Dodgers can afford to trade some talented pitchers from their farm system, as they currently have one of the heaviest and most talented pitching staffs ever.
Duran joined the Dodgers organization in 2018 as an international free agent. He has a record of 4-20 and a 4.06 ERA in 82 minor league games.
Hurt, who was transferred to the 60-day injured list, required Tommy John surgery in July and will not be available until later in the season.