The Los Angeles Dodgers have moved Mookie Betts from second base to shortstop to right field during the 2024 season.
Now, after helping the Dodgers win the World Series at the position where he won six Gold Gloves, Betts may be on the move again.
Brandon Gomes said the assumption right now is that Mookie Betts will return to the infield in 2025, where he will be needed at second or shortstop. #Dodgers
-Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) November 6, 2024
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes told reporters Wednesday during the general manager’s meetings in San Antonio that the team expects Betts to return to the field in 2025.
Betts was originally drafted as an infielder by the Boston Red Sox in 2011. But with Dustin Pedroia stationed at second base, he moved to the outfield. Betts’ glove work in right field was so spectacular that the Red Sox kept him there and didn’t move him before he was traded to Los Angeles in February 2020.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 30: Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers catches a fly ball off the bat of Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the New York Yankees during the eighth inning…
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 30: Mookie Betts n. #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers catches a fly ball off the bat of #5 Giancarlo Stanton. 27 of the New York Yankees during the eighth inning of game five of the 2024 World Series at Yankee Stadium on October 30, 2024 in the Bronx borough of New York City. Betts is expected to return to the draft in 2025.
Further
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The Dodgers tried to put Betts at second base and Gavin Lux at shortstop when they began spring training in February. But Lux’s defense was poor after he missed the 2023 season with an injury, and he moved to second base, where his range was less affected.
Betts improved considerably during his four months at shortstop, to the point where his defense was at least acceptable given his offensive production.
But after breaking his hand in June and missing nearly two months rehabbing the injury, the Dodgers were forced to find a replacement for Betts at shortstop. When veteran Miguel Rojas batted and fielded smartly, Betts moved back to right field and remained there for the remainder of the season.
More to come on this Newsweek Sports story.
