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Dodgers, A's Agreed To Rare April Trade On Wednesday

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Apr 2, 2025 5:37 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Athletics announced a trade on Wednesday.

Teams don't often trade this early in the season, but the two California clubs made a swap. The Dodgers acquired outfielder Esteury Ruiz for minor league pitcher Carlos Duran.

This isn't Ruiz's first time changing homes. In 2022, the San Diego Padres sent him to the Milwaukee Brewers as part of a package for closer Josh Hader. He logged 36 plate appearances in 17 games before getting flipped to the A's in a deal that sent catcher William Contreras to Milwaukee.

Ruiz made the most of his new surroundings, registering an American League-high 67 stolen bases in 2023. However, the A's demoted him last May after he batted .200/.270/.382 through 29 games.

Ruiz didn't win an Opening Day job after batting 4-for-33 with 16 strikeouts this spring. The A's designated him for assignment on Sunday, giving them seven days to trade or release the 26-year-old.

They found a trade partner in the defending champions. While the Dodgers have plenty of depth behind a star-studded nucleus, Ruiz could serve as a late-game replacement on the basepaths and in the field if he makes the roster.

As a career .265/.322/.411 hitter against lefties, Ruiz may provide some value in the short side of a platoon. However, the Dodgers already have veteran right-handed hitters Enrique Hernandez, Miguel Rojas, and Chris Taylor on their bench.

Ruiz has two minor league options remaining, so he may not join an undefeated big league squad this week. Yet Ruiz could be a name to remember if the Dodgers desire a base-running specialist in October.

The Dodgers cleared a spot on their 40-man roster by sending pitcher Kyle Hurt to the 60-day injured list. Hurt underwent Tommy John surgery last summer.

The A's received Duran, a 6-foot-7 righty with a career 4.06 ERA and 11.1 K/9 rate in the minor leagues. The 23-year-old, who has yet to pitch in the majors, allowed one run in 4.1 innings during his first Triple-A start of the 2025 season.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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