Kristopher Negron Trade
The Kristopher Negron deal was one of the quietest trades of the 2019 MLB trade deadline. Minor League infielder Daniel Castro was sent to the Seattle Mariners in order for the Los Angeles Dodgers to acquire Negron. He was not a well-known player to many MLB fans. Dodger fans had the same reaction, asking, “why are we picking up a position player?” Understandably, on paper it did not make sense that the Dodgers organization trade for anything other than a bullpen arm. However, Negron has proven to be just what the doctor ordered for the Dodgers’ offense.
The Dodgers have added Kristopher Negrón to the active roster and recalled RHP Josh Sborz from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 29, 2019
The Facts
Negron has torn the cover off the ball since becoming a Dodger. He started off slashing .391/.417/.652 in his first seven games for the Dodgers. In fact, his first hit recorded as a Dodger left the yard. Negron has logged two home runs and seven RBI during this impressive stretch. He has shown large amounts of consistency as he has logged a hit in the first seven games that he has played. However, he did go 0-4 in last night’s loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks — dropping his numbers to .333/.357/.556 as a Dodger.
Negron’s Versatility
Negron does more than just hit. He fits into the Dodgers scheme because he is an extreme utility player. In 2019, he has logged innings in all outfield spots, second base, third base, and shortstop. This was a significant factor in the front office’s decision to pursue Negron. The Dodgers coaching staff embraces versatility in their players. It gives them the option to insert nine bats in the lineup and then hash out where they will all play.
Kristopher Negrón has started 5 times since joining the Dodgers, and he has at least one hit in all 5 games.
He’s also started at 4 different positions
— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) August 4, 2019
Negron’s Role with the Dodgers
Although Negron has been hitting well, it appears he may be a fill-in player for the Dodgers already stacked lineup. Negron’s ability to play multiple positions gives Dave Roberts the chance to rest key players during the week. It also gives Roberts another right-handed bat off the bench late in games. Negron also offers some stability to a team that has been bitten by the injury bug. With Chris Taylor, Enrique Hernandez, Justin Turner, Corey Seager, Alex Verdugo, and A.J. Pollock spending time on the injured list this year, it makes sense to have another guy that can fill in and play any position.
Negron’s Path to the Big Leagues
Negron attended high-school at Vanden High School in California. He attended Cosumnes River Junior College in Sacramento, California. Negron was a standout in 2006 when he hit .361 with 31 stolen bases. This performance led to Negron being drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 7th round of the 2006 MLB Draft. In 2009, Negron was traded to the Cincinnati Reds. He would eventually get called up to the Big Leagues in 2012. Negron also spent time with the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Seattle Mariners.
Diamonds in the Rough
The Dodgers seem to have a knack for reinventing players. Chris Taylor is a great example of this reinvention. Taylor was also traded to the Dodgers by the Seattle Mariners. He was a call-up-send-down type of player for them. However, Taylor ended up becoming an everyday player for the Dodgers. Max Muncy is another player that has reinvented himself since joining the Dodgers. Muncy was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 2012. However, he was released by the A’s in 2017. After joining the Dodgers, Muncy has excelled as a utility type player as well.
Negron’s Future
Although it is unclear what exactly the Dodgers have in Kristopher Negron as a long-term player, he will help right now. He will fill in the gaps when injury or off-days occur. Negron will be versatile and offer support in many different positions. It is an added bonus if he continues to hit like he has in the last 10 days.
One thing is for certain. The Dodgers seem to have a knack for finding diamonds in the rough. It seems that the front office may have won the trade deadline with Negron. This deal could be just what the Dodgers needed to have the depth to win a World Series Ring come October.
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