The Los Angeles Dodgers are off to a perfect start this 2025 season, boasting a 7-0 record. In an effort to bolster their roster, they acquired Esteury Ruiz from the Oakland Athletics. Ruiz, known for his exceptional speed, led the American League with 67 stolen bases in 2023, although his offensive stats have been inconsistent. Despite hitting just .200 in 2024, the Dodgers view him as a strategic late-game asset rather than a regular starter.

Ruiz's sprint speed ranks in the 95th percentile, making him a potential late-inning pinch runner. However, his stolen-base success rate has waned, posing questions about his reliability. The Dodgers, loaded with talent, can afford to take a chance on transforming Ruiz into a more complete player, leveraging their strong development system. In return, the Athletics acquired pitcher Carlos Duran, who impressed in the minors last season with a 3.71 ERA.