The Los Angeles Dodgers plan to utilize Mookie Betts as their primary second baseman in 2024, manager Dave Roberts stated Monday during an appearance on MLB Network. “It’s pretty safe to say that No. 50 Mookie Betts is going to be our everyday second baseman,” he said.
Betts, 31, initially played as a minor-league second baseman but has mainly been an outfielder throughout his 10 seasons in the majors. Nonetheless, in 2023, he played a career-high 70 games at second base and ended the season starting there most days while still occasionally appearing in right field.
Roberts indicated that Jason Heyward, who recently re-signed with the Dodgers, will primarily play as the right fielder in Betts’ place on most days.
Roberts also suggested that the Dodgers believe this adjustment will allow them to optimize their lineup. Betts finished second in Most Valuable Player Award voting this fall after hitting .307/.408/.579 (163 OPS+) with 39 home runs and 14 stolen bases. Having that level of performance at second base certainly strengthens the Dodgers’ lineup. The question now is how the Dodgers will fill some of their openings around Betts.
Publicly, the Dodgers have indicated their plans to start Gavin Lux, who missed a season due to injury, at shortstop. Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reported that the Dodgers could still improve in that position, identifying Milwaukee Brewers veteran Willy Adames as a potential trade option.
Furthermore, the Dodgers are among the finalists to sign Shohei Ohtani, the top free agent on the market. Ohtani will be restricted to DH duty next season after undergoing elbow surgery, making him a potential replacement for J.D. Martinez, who is also a free agent. Martinez may return if Ohtani signs elsewhere.
The Dodgers also need to finalize their outfield. Currently, their depth chart includes the aforementioned Heyward, James Outman, Chris Taylor, and Jonny Deluca. With Betts transitioning to the infield, it now appears more likely the Dodgers could consider adding an outfielder, particularly a right-handed option, depending on how the markets unfold.
To consider, this is without even addressing a rotation that may require additional support. Consequently, this marks the start of what is expected to be a busy offseason for the Dodgers — and for Betts as he prepares for his first spring as a starting second baseman in the majors.
