The Los Angeles Dodgers have called up former American League stolen base leader Esteury Ruiz. Ruiz has enjoyed a successful campaign with Triple-A Oklahoma City after being traded to the Dodgers from the Athletics on April 2, 2025.
Esteury Ruiz is being called up by the Dodgers, per @JonHeyman pic.twitter.com/R0j2kVE8Qv
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) July 3, 2025
Born in Azua, Dominican Republic, Ruiz came up through the San Diego Padres’ farm system and made his major league debut in 2022. He was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers as a key component of the Josh Hader deal later that season.
The Brewers then dealt Ruiz to the Athletics that offseason as part of the three-team trade that sent Sean Murphy to the Atlanta Braves.
To start the 2023 season, Ruiz was ranked the No. 6 prospect in the Athletics organization. He made the Opening Day roster and showcased his blazing speed, finishing with 67 stolen bases in 2023—good for first in the AL and second in Major League Baseball, behind only Ronald Acuña Jr.
However, Ruiz struggled at the plate as the Athletics endured losing seasons and relocation talks, leading to his option to Triple-A Las Vegas earlier this March and his designation for assignment on March 30.
Now with Oklahoma City in the Pacific Coast League, Ruiz has improved his power numbers, minimized strikeouts and maintained consistent contact. In 2024 with the Athletics, Ruiz posted a .652 OPS in 29 games. This season, albeit in the minors, he has an .852 OPS in 66 games. His strikeout-to-walk ratio has also improved significantly.
Esteury Ruiz this season with OKC:
.295 AVG
.394 OBP
.458 SLG
.852 OPS
121 wRC+
8 HR/37 RBI
38 SBFinally getting his shot with the Dodgers pic.twitter.com/wn9izJPsqT
— Blake Harris (@BlakeHHarris) July 3, 2025
The Dodgers are calling up Ruiz not only for depth, but also for the speed he brings on the basepath. Only 26 years old, Ruiz still maintains clear talent and athleticism to succeed in MLB. Currently in first place in the National League West, the Dodgers hope Ruiz can become a positive WAR player for the first time in his career as they look to repeat as World Series champions.
WBN MLB: https://worldbaseball.com/league/mlb/
Photo: Oakland Athletics’ Esteury Ruiz celebrates after being called safe sliding into home against the Seattle Mariners in a baseball game Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, in Seattle. The call was later overturned after a replay review and Ruiz was called out. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
