Dodgers normal supervisor Brandon Gomes spoke to members of the media on the normal supervisor conferences, together with Joel Sherman of The New York Publish (X hyperlink) and Bob Nightengale of USA At present (X hyperlink). Gomes relayed that the Dodgers are most likely going to have Mookie Betts transfer again to the infield, both at shortstop or second base.
Within the first half of 2024, Betts enjoying the infield was an unimaginable storyline, as he moved to the grime after years of being established with no consideration fielder. He had been a second baseman as a prospect with the Pink Sox however had moved to the grass in deference to Dustin Pedroia. He ultimately gained a number of Gold Gloves and different fielding awards for his work in proper subject however amazingly began switching again extra lately.
The Dodgers gave Betts transient appears to be like at second base in every season from 2020 to 2022 however then ramped it up, placing him there for 485 innings in 2023. In addition they began dabbling with Betts as a shortstop that 12 months, with 98 innings at that spot.
The membership was evidently happy with the experiment, as supervisor Dave Roberts introduced in December that Betts can be the membership’s major second baseman in 2024, with Gavin Lux deliberate because the common shortstop. However when Lux struggled along with his throws throughout spring coaching, the Dodgers determined to flip them.
That all of a sudden left Betts seeking to primarily study one of the crucial demanding positions on the fly, but it surely appeared to be working nicely sufficient for a time. He received a -4 grade from Outs Above Common at shortstop this 12 months however +3 Defensive Runs Saved. He did that whereas producing a large .304/.405/.488 batting line and 153 wRC+ by way of the center of June, seemingly placing himself within the Most Useful Participant dialog.
Sadly, it was at the moment that he suffered a hand fracture after being hit by a pitch after which missed about two months. Whereas he was on the shelf, the Dodgers determined that he can be moved again to his acquainted proper subject place as soon as he healed up.
Now plainly Betts will get one other shot on the infield, which can instantly result in hypothesis in regards to the membership’s offseason pursuits. The highest free agent this winter is nook outfielder Juan Soto, although he isn’t the one intriguing man in that class. The Dodgers might contemplate bringing again Teoscar Hernández or pursuing guys like Anthony Santander, Jurickson Profar, Tyler O’Neill or Michael Conforto.
The infield market, in the meantime, isn’t as deep. Gleyber Torres is arguably the highest possibility at second base regardless of a mediocre season. He has usually hit nicely in his profession however was barely league common in 2024. Since he’s not thought of a powerful defender, that dip on the plate was regarding. At shortstop, there’s a robust possibility in Willy Adames, who has the Dodgers earlier than. However aside from him, the highest possibility is Ha-Seong Kim, who would possibly miss the primary half of the upcoming season as a consequence of shoulder surgical procedure.
Given the disparity between these markets, having Betts on the infield maybe offers the Dodgers one of the best alternative to benefit from the offseason situations. Relying on how issues play out, it might additionally give them some buying and selling choices. Between Betts, Lux, Tommy Edman, Miguel Rojas and Chris Taylor, they might maybe make somebody in that group accessible. Alternatively, Edman and Taylor are tremendous utility guys who can even play the outfield, which means they might be beneficial in offering assist on the grass.
With out Betts, the outfield combine consists of Andy Pages, Edman, Taylor and James Outman. Catching prospect Dalton Dashing has began getting some outfield reps since he’s pretty blocked behind the plate with the latest Will Smith extension, in addition to the presence of fellow catching prospects Diego Cartaya and Hunter Feduccia.
Maybe this complete roster image will change because the offseason develops and the Dodgers navigate their choices within the coming months. They might add an outfielder or maybe an infielder, then pivot Betts again to the outfield. The pliability offers the Dodgers loads of choices for the way to proceed and makes for an interesting profession arc for Betts.
