Mookie Betts’ unique blend of defensive versatility and elite offensive production led to a runner-up finish in 2023 NL MVP voting, as the six-time Gold Glove-winning right fielder saw considerable time at both second base and shortstop, in addition to his customary right field. Betts might have more of a set position in 2024, but it won’t be right field, according to manager Dave Roberts.
“I think it’s pretty safe to say that No. 50, Mookie Betts, is going to be our everyday second baseman,” Roberts told MLB Network’s Alanna Rizzo in an appearance on High Heat today (video link). “It’s one of those things where he’s a Gold Glover out in right field, but I think when you’re talking about putting together a roster and someone who can be so offensive at second base — you can get more games out of him if he’s playing second base. And obviously with the signing of Jason Heyward, to put him out in right field, to go out there and play versus right-handed pitching and to play a Gold Glove right field, it just makes our club better.”
While Roberts didn’t expressly rule out the possibility of Betts playing any outfield — he notably specified that Heyward would again play primarily against right-handed pitching — it seems the immediate plan is for Betts to line up at second base and form a double play tandem with Gavin Lux (or a potential outside acquisition). Defensive Runs Saved (6) and Ultimate Zone Rating (1) both pegged Betts as an above-average defender at second base, while Statcast’s Outs Above Average put him only slightly below, at -1. Betts played plenty of middle infield during his early minor league tenure in the Red Sox’ system and largely moved to the outfield due to the presence of Dustin Pedroia on the big league roster.
A full-time return to the infield for Betts gives the Dodgers a primary outfield of Chris Taylor, James Outman and Heyward (left to right), with Betts, Jonny Deluca and top prospect Andy Pages all potentially joining the mix. Additional outfield depth could yet be brought in, of course. In the infield, they’ll likely lean on Max Muncy at third base, Lux at short, Betts at second and fellow MVP candidate Freddie Freeman at first base.
Injuries could ultimately push Betts back to the outfield with more regularity, but in a followup appearance on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (video link), Roberts spoke about Betts personally being on board with the move to second base, as it’ll allow him to remain in the lineup more as he ages: “I think when he runs out to right field every day, and as he starts to get a little bit older, he’s starting to look and see that we’ve got to play him less when he plays right field. And so when he played second base a lot last year, he was able to be in the lineup [more].”
Roberts added that it’s easier for the team’s front office to “find someone” who can pair with Heyward as a right-handed option in right field than to find a second baseman, making the move better from a roster construction standpoint. Based on the full context of Roberts’ comments, it doesn’t seem as though the move to second base is presently viewed as a one-off for the 2024 season, although Betts’ superb athleticism and subsequent versatility will allow the club to keep a return to right field on the table as a possibility down the road, should it make sense from a roster construction standpoint in future offseasons.
is possible that they want Ohtani to get some playing time in right field?
Padres already have right fielder
Simm – What puzzles me is the contention that playing 2B is less demanding and results in fewer injuries and a shorter recovery time. Hard to believe playing a corner OF is more strenuous than middle infield.
Yeah I don’t buy that either. More diving more player traffic. But wtf do I know.
Hopfully he watches himself during those games vs SD with the potential for Machado coming in on him…
Yea i dont believe that either, but i think its easiee to get an elite bat in the OF then at 2b. So i think in a perfect world you hqve a better offensive club amd just as good on D with Mookie at 2b
Murph – I was thinking the same thing. This isn’t about keeping Mookie healthy, it’s about having a rare great-hitting 2B and being able to bring in a great-hitting outfielder.
They didn’t want to make it seem like Mookie is moving for Ohtani, so they announced it before the Ohtani signing.
Look what happened to Judge though.
Ok Astros* guy keep talking
I think the idea, being in the LA media market, is the Mookie is more engaged and not as bored playing 2nd. Somebody could check the numbers of him at 2 and RF
Betts stated last season that he enjoys playing 2nd base better because it helps him to stay focused on the game better. He feels more involved on each pitch. ♂️
That’s what I said, no?
Backin ya up Smacky. Backin ya up.
Now im really confused
oops i forgot they signed heyward
Ohtani can’t throw this year. It will ruin his rehab if you make him throw 100 MPH rockets from RF trying to throw out runners. He can only DH.
well he’d be lucky to throw 80mph while recovering
i meant after his injury is healed and the possibility that he regresses and won’t be a starter anymore. i should’ve added more context, sorry
I’m sure he could throw left handed if he really wanted to.
Heyward, and the fact that Ohtani needs TJ surgery.
Ohtani can’t throw so that’s a big NOPE
Ohtani can’t throw?? All he does is throw 95 mph fastballs!! lol
He wouldn’t be able to throw coming back from surgery maybe the second half.
No way is the team that signs ohtani going to risk compromising his rehab process to return to pitching by sticking him in the outfield.
This is dumb. Let’s take an elite defensive outfielder and play him at a position where he’ll be probably middling defensively. Also is Gavin Lux not expected to be ready for Spring Training? Idk if Lux is really a shortstop if that’s the plan…
He came up through the Sox system as a second baseman. But I agree, I don’t like the move. Keep him where he is successful
Hey, Jake! Sure we can look at it one dimensionally like a simpleton. Elite is better than just kind of good.
or
We can acknowledge the multiple variables at play. What is the value of RF defense versus 2B? How are defensive numbers calculated and what that would mean positionally? What kinds of offense do you get from certain positions around the league? If we do all that, which for single-minded dolts is hard to do, we realize that playing Mookie at 2B is way more valuable to the Dodgers than in the OF.
Honestly, I think you could go either way with this as long as you stick to one position. I think a good second baseman is much more easily substituted than a good outfielder. Pick your poison I guess.
Why not play him at both positions for each game?
That’s what I would do.
roob – I’m pretty sure I saw Bugs Bunny do it.
Silwy wabbit!
Interesting move. While it will save his legs the risk of injury increases at 2B.
Will be very interested to see how this plays out.
And the Dodgers wonder why they can’t win a World Series in a full season.
“Can’t win a world Series in a full”….Exactly. All the Dodgers do is win 100+ games every year for the last decade, lead MLB in attendance and make deep playoff runs nearly every year. It’s a complete abomination and travesty that the LA Dodgers chose to win a World Series, just 3 years ago in a shortened covid pandemic season, right?
That short season stuff is such crap.
I know championships are the ultimate goal for the teams and their fans, but having ultra successful regular seasons for so many years is worth more to me. To be able to watch great baseball for 162 games, seasons on end, is more enjoyable time spent than one seven game series every once in awhile. Championships are great but if you’re watching solely for that you’re missing out. The Dodgers are putting out consistently great teams, how many franchises can say that over the last decade?
Winning 100 games gets old if there is nothing to show for it. I guess the Dodgers are trying to figure new ways to try to get a title.
“Winning 100 gms gets old”..I think losing teams feel that way, but winning teams enjoy winning a 100 gms and going to the playoffs each & every year.
Exactly, mlb fan, exactly.
Only to go to the playoffs to get curb-stomped by a vastly inferior team, like the Nationals, Braves, Padres, and Diamondbacks in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023 respectively.
Perennial success is something to be proud of, but for a team that has spent Billions to build roster that doesn’t even have a full-season World Series title, it’s often forgettable come playoff time.
But you are correct, still better than losing 100 each year.
Tigers fans sure miss that 2011-2014 “nothing to show for it” run. It was a lot more exciting than anything they’ve conjured up since.
I’m sure they were enjoying it after getting swept by Baltimore in 2014.
I was at that last game. An abrupt end to a fun five years.
Move Mookie Betts to 2B so you can end up with something like a Jason Heyward/ Hunter Renfroe platoon in RF.
These front offices never fail to outsmart themselves.
and what if Heyward reverts to the ..245/85 OPS+ of those 7 years in Chicago?
That’s what I’m expecting to happen.
It is a lot easier to add a good hitting COF than a good hitting second baseman midseason
He doesn’t want to lose anymore gold gloves to Tatis.
Carotid
Makes sense – it’s easier to find a good corner outfielder, than it is a good second baseman. Now, they’ve filled it in house.
Betts was good at second just being thrown in there – he’ll likely take another step forward with everyday reps.
He was drafted as a 2b, so he should be fine
Amen!
Sub – He’d probably be a HOF bowler too if he didn’t play baseball.
I predict Lux will be traded at some point this week, they need an upgrade at short
Heyward is providing below average defense in RF at his age.
Metrics and the eye test say otherwise – he was absolutely fine out there last season.
Exactly. Hayward is just fine defensively (though Mookie is better). You just don’t want to see him in the lineup against LHP. The other half of the platoon is the question mark.
Definitely – the Dodgers did a great job of putting Heyward in the right position to succeed, but what they do with the remaining at-bats and innings is critical.
I think we will see a trade of Burnes, Adames, and Taylor from the Brewers for Lux and others
This trade fit makes perfect sense. It would cost an absolute haul though I feel like
Depends on the “others”. Seems youre a bit shy on the Dodgers side of the trade.
As a brewers fan I would be completely on board with this (dependent on package). Turang is likely a better SS than Adames. And could fill that role until Lux is healthy Your fine giving up the power and pay of Adames for his final arby year. I would expect a deal like that would have other targets beyond Lux in mind. Could be a huge win win both ways.
People really hating on this but praising the Phillies for moving Harper to 1B LOL
But can the Giants sign Shohie
Did Jon Heyman report this?
This must be the same logic Roberts applied to Bellinger when he had a seperated shoulder and moved him off of First Base where the shoulder would be less concerning and put him in the Outfield where he would have to dive for balls and crash into walls…
ericm25
well that kinda stinks for Stott. Betts will definitely be a starter for 2nd base for nl all star.
If I’m Ohtani and Yamamoto I’m looking at that OF and rethinking where I want to sign
Between Harp at 1B and now Mookie at 2B, I’m not loving this precedent for prime RF in today’s MLB and star defenders generally. Yes, Harp had TJ, but Gold Gloves are losing their shimmer on baseball’s collective mantle…just my $0.02..
Makes prospects Busch or Vargas (and maybe both if necessary) available for trade. Although they probably didn’t help their trade value with early-career performance last season.
You only make this move if you’re getting Soto to play RF. Starting Heyward is a massive risk.
The Padres aren’t giving us Soto just like the Angels aren’t giving us Trout.
You almost got it.
Angels would gladly give Trout to the Dodgers if they would take that contract off their hands.
I like Mookie at 2B over RF. Remember when Bellinger ran into him and almost crushed him? I like Taylor in LF too. Unsure if Heyward can play every day though.
Mookie also wants to play 2nd, he’s said multiple times it’s his preference and where he has the most fun. They had to have taken that into account even if they don’t say it outright
A three way trade between LA, White Sox, and Brewers makes so much sense. White Sox give up Cease, Brewers give up Adames and either Taylor or Weimer. Dodgers give up Lux to Chicago, Cartaya to Milwaukee, and a bunch of AA/A+ pitching. Milwaukee and Chicago divvy up the Dodger pitching and adjust some prospects in their 10-15 range to balance the deal.
The crew got William Contreras last year to be their catcher and they have Jefferson Quero. He’s one of the best C prospects in the minors.
They’d do very well in that trade to deal Wiemer (hit tool limits him severely) & 1 year of Adames for Cartaya let alone get more prospects. Adames isn’t that valuable.
I believe that Cartaya has played some 1B, so they should be able to get both him and Contreras in the lineup between C/1B/DH, and the Brewers have a black hole at 1B. I know that Quero is going to be good but having a surplus of catching is a good problem to have. And Contreras is the most likely one to eventually transition to 1B/DH.
But yeah, any of the Dodgers top 3-4 prospects should work as long as it is a position player.
I mean Cartaya is such a premium prospect because of position though. He’s not an especially fantastic 1B prospect.
Contreras is now a great defensive catcher. I don’t believe he’s going anywhere but behind the plate for a long time. Milwaukee developed him into a stud. What they really need is SS/3B/2B options. In addition to pitching which is always a need. I can’t imagine they look at a catcher given what they have.
BHCT, a 3 way trade between the Dodgers, Rays & Brewers.
Dodgers get 3B Isaac Paredes, OF Randy Arozarena & pitcher Corbin Burnes.
Rays get Andy Pages’, Miguel Vargas & Willy Adames.
Brewers get pitcher’s Gavin Stone & Justin Wrobleski & ss Carson Williams.
That’s a lot for the Rays to part with. I’d rather have Arozarena & Carson Williams. Don’t see how that helps. Adames is a rental & it doesn’t really save them any salary. They just lose a year of Arozarena, downgrade Paredes w/ Vargas and lose their top SS prospect.
In return they get a year of a rental SS that couldn’t hit in their park when they had him & Andy Pages.
Doesn’t seem to be a very good trade for them.
Dodgers are the only clear winner from the deal.
Wise move. The plan should always have been to eventually move Betts into the infield to help avoid wear and tear on his legs going forward.
Yes
What took so long?
Betts provides much more value at second than in RF.
I’m concerned about Lux at SS, but have faith in the F/O that certainly knows more about him than I do
Or, a Lux as a center piece for Adames and Burnes would make too much sense
Better be some good secondary pieces with Lux. 3 years of control coming off major injury isn’t a stellar headliner for a TOR starter and 3-4 WAR SS.
This makes no sense. The reason the Red Sox moved him off 2B is he wasn’t good enough to knock Pedroia, even injured, off 2B. He was a meh defender there and now he is older. This tells me they have no faith in Lux or Busch as an everyday player at 2B and Vargas isn’t even an option, even if he hits.
Where did you hear he was a meh defender at second? I don’t remember hearing that all…
Goose
where was the injured Pedroia going to go? To RF?
The Red Sox were a better team with Betts in RF and Pedroia at 2B – so, that’s where they played them. The Dodgers are a better team with Betts at 2B and Heyward in RF – so that’s where they are playing them
I’d hate to think this move was made, in part, to accommodate Heyward starting in RF. I still think they got lucky to get what they got from Heyward this year. It’s anyone’s guess who he’ll be this year.
I’m surprised we are hearing more about this than the Athletics moving to Vegas. I literally had no idea about the A’s…
Every Day that Mookie Betts plays for the Dodgers, he will get to Second Base !!
A five tool All Star outfielder who can also play second base? Why can’t the Red Sox get guys like that?
They can add a SS and move Lux to 2b and Betts back to Rt. They can add a 3b and move Muncy to 2b. They can add an OF and let Cris Taylor go back to being a super sub. Lots of versatility.
Looks like Vargas, Lux and/or Busch are trade bait….
Yes, they have lots of options depending on how the free agent market plays out. I wouldn’t etch in stone what Roberts says at the beginning of December.
Friedman & Co. are all-in on plan B now….
Betts as a RF or 2B is one of the best players in MLB. How is that trade looking now Boston fans? Could the Curse of Mookie be a possibility now?
Betts has been at 2nd for a while! He was 2nd to Ronald Acuna Jr for ’23 NL MVP!!!
Betts don’t want to play Right Field! He said it made him get tired running back & forth to right! He asked Mark DeRosa to move him from Right Field to 2nd base in WBC, but DeRosa told him he needed to ask Jeff McNeil to switch, which he did! Is Betts getting too old to play in the Outfield???