Mookie Betts was shifted around the Dodgers’ defense last season, making appearances at right field, second base, and even shortstop.
He figures to have a more permanent home on the defense in 2024.
Betts will be Los Angeles’s everyday second baseman next season, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced on Monday. The change was confirmed by SI’s Tom Verducci, who reports Betts will wear down less playing the infield.
Betts is an accomplished right fielder, having won six Gold Gloves at the position during his career. Despite his history of success in the corner outfield, Betts is set to return to the position he played during his days as a prospect with the Red Sox.
Last season, the 31-year-old started 77 games for the Dodgers at right field. He also started in the infield 74 times, including 62 games at second base and 12 at shortstop.
"It's pretty safe to say that Mookie Betts is going to be our everyday second baseman."
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 4, 2023
- Dave Roberts on #HighHeat pic.twitter.com/yMzvPepWNy
During a Monday interview with Alanna Rizzo on the MLB Network, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Betts’ move to second base for the upcoming season.
“I think it’s pretty safe to say that No. 50, Mookie Betts, is going to be our everyday second baseman,” said Roberts.
“He’s a Gold Glover out in right field, but when you’re talking about putting together a roster, someone who can be so offensive at second base, you can get more games out of him if he is playing second base.... It just makes our club better,” he added.
In his MLB career, Betts has made 916 starts at right field and just 87 at second base. He has long been angling for a return to the infield, a move which will finally come to fruition next season.
The Dodgers will now look for a right-handed hitting corner outfielder during this offseason.
