Dodgers Rumors: Kolten Wong Joining Expanded Roster

The Los Angeles Dodgers aggressively added to their roster prior to the trade deadline, but in the time since have also addressed organizational depth with the signings of Kolten Wong, Óscar Mercado and Tucker Barnhart.

Wong signed a Minor League contract with the Dodgers one week after being released by the Seattle Mariners upon getting designated for assignment and clearing waivers. It marked the end of a disappointing tenure with the Mariners, who acquired him a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers for Jesse Winker and Abraham Toro.

Wong reported to Camelback Ranch to work with Dodgers coaches before joining Triple-A Oklahoma City late last week.

The 32-year-old has seen minimal time with OKC but is poised to be called up Friday when active rosters expand, according to J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group:

Kolten Wong played only three games with OKC, but his 7-for-13 (.539) performance – highlighted by a 413-foot home run – was enough to earn a promotion, according to multiple sources. The Dodgers have yet to announce the transaction.

The Brewers signed Wong to a two-year, $18 million contract in February 2021. The deal also included a $10 million team option for 2023, which the Brewers exercised last November.

That came after Wong hit a combined .262/.337/.439 with 56 doubles, six triples, 29 home runs, 97 RBI and 29 stolen bases in 250 games over two seasons with the Brewers.

Despite Milwaukee picking up Wong’s option for this year, he was traded the next month.

The Mariners envisioned Wong providing some stability at second base despite the fact that he was coming off a down year defensively. Wong eliminated some of his recent trouble with errors but still graded out as league average or below in several defensive metrics.

He hit .165/.241/.227 with six doubles, two home runs and 19 RBI over 67 games for the Mariners this season.

Is Kolten Wong postseason eligible with Dodgers?

Wong is eligible to play for the Dodgers in the postseason due to being part of the organization by the August 31 deadline.

While Wong is going to be selected as the extra position player the Dodgers can carry, they will need to make room for the veteran infielder on their 40-man roster.