Dodgers proper fielder Mookie Betts is now an MVP and three-time World Collection champion. He is additionally lengthy been thought-about top-of-the-line defensive gamers in baseball. He is so good that he can pop into the infield when the workforce is in a bind. It sounds just like the Dodgers will reap the benefits of his versatility heading towards 2025.
On the Basic Supervisor conferences Wednesday, Dodgers common supervisor Brandon Gomes stated that the idea is that Betts will transfer again to the infield in 2025, whether or not he is wanted at second base or shortstop (through the New York Publish).
Betts performed 70 video games at second and 16 at brief in 2023. This previous season, anticipated Dodgers shortstop Gavin Lux had the yips in spring coaching and the Dodgers shifted Betts to shortstop full time earlier than he broke his wrist. Amongst his infield outings, he appeared in 65 video games at brief and 18 at second within the season.
Whereas he is distinctive in proper area and might play above-average protection at second, the final consensus is that Betts is a bit overmatched, defensively, at shortstop. Nonetheless, the Dodgers are proper to maintain their choices open as they appear to construct towards a repeat championship in 2025.
Let’s not overlook that the prized free agent of the offseason, Juan Soto, is a proper fielder. Even when the Dodgers aren’t planning on pursuing Soto and/or shifting Betts to the infield, it makes excellent sense to fake they’re and drive up Soto’s worth on different potential suitors.
Betts is now an eight-time All-Star. In 116 video games final season, he hit .289/.372/.491 (145 OPS+) with 24 doubles, 5 triples, 19 homers, 75 RBI, 75 runs, 16 steals and 4.8 WAR. In 16 playoff video games, he hit .290/.387/.565 with 5 doubles, 4 homers, 16 RBI and 14 runs. He hit what proved to be the game-winning and series-winning sac fly within the eighth inning of Sport 5 of the World Collection.
