Dodgers open roster spot for Ohtani by trading 2 players to Yankees

The Los Angeles Dodgers traded left-handed reliever Victor González and infield prospect Jorbit Vivas to the New York Yankees in exchange for minor-league shortstop Trey Sweeney, both teams announced Monday.

The move opens up two 40-man roster spots for the Dodgers to accommodate the free-agent signings of two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani and reliever Joe Kelly. Ohtani, the reigning AL MVP, announced Saturday that he was joining the Dodgers on a historic 10-year, $700-million contract, while Kelly re-signed on a one-year, $8-million deal that the team confirmed Monday.

Los Angeles has yet to announce Ohtani's signing.

González is the only player involved in the trade with big-league experience. The 28-year-old made his debut in 2020 and was part of the Dodgers' World Series-winning bullpen that season. He missed most of 2022 after undergoing elbow surgery.

González owns a lifetime 3.22 ERA, 3.35 FIP, and 1.15 WHIP with 86 strikeouts and 31 walks across 93 appearances (three starts). The Mexican has one minor-league option remaining and is projected to earn about $1 million in arbitration next year, per MLB Trade Rumors.

Vivas, 22, was ranked as the Dodgers' No. 10 prospect by MLB.com before the trade. Originally signed in 2017, he was added to L.A.'s 40-man roster following the 2021 season. He has yet to reach the major leagues and only made it to Triple-A for the first time this past August.

Last year, Vivas hit .269/.381/.407 with 13 homers, 63 RBIs, and 25 stolen bases across 135 total games split between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City. A contact hitter, he struck out only 71 times in 2023 while taking 69 walks. Vivas has primarily played second base in the minors but has also seen some time at third.

Sweeney was the Yankees' first-round pick (20th overall) out of Eastern Illinois in 2021. The 23-year-old, ranked as New York's No. 8 prospect by MLB.com, hit .252/.367/.411 with 13 homers, 49 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases in 100 games with Double-A Somerset this past season. He's only played shortstop as a professional.