Heading into the 2024 season the Los Angeles Dodgers planned a significant change for Mookie Betts to be their starting second baseman.
Betts’ career as a Gold Glove-caliber right fielder was seemingly coming to an end as the Dodgers sought to alleviate some of the physical toll on him. Those best-laid plans never truly came to fruition, however, as Betts was switched to shortstop late in Spring Training last year amid Gavin Lux struggling defensively.
Betts’ tenure as an everyday shortstop then was interrupted by a fractured right hand. Upon returning from the injured list, he did so back in right field out of the best interest of the team.
Now Betts is again taking on the Dodgers shortstop role full-time, which seemingly was planned but also done with Teoscar Hernández in mind. During an “On Base with Mookie Betts” podcast episode that featured Hernández as the guest, Betts revealed his return to shortstop was so his teammate could play right field:
“You are a huge reason why I’m playing short. Because I wanted you come back. You held your word.”
Hernández played 120 games (104 starts) in left field and 60 games (50 starts) in right field during his first season with the Dodgers. Up to that point in his career, Hernández had primarily been a right fielder.
Hernández mentioned early last year that was his preferred position but he was willing to play anywhere the Dodgers needed.
Throughout his first year with the Dodgers and into free agency, Hernández expressed his desire to re-sign with the team. That took longer than most anticipated, but Hernández and the Dodgers ultimately agreed to a three-year, $66 million contract that includes a team option for 2028.
And with Betts facilitating a move to shortstop, Hernández now gets to play his preferred position for the team he had interest in remaining with all along.
Shortstop brings Mookie Betts joy
While Betts shared that Hernández was a factor in his decision to play shortstop, he also has repeatedly expressed how much he enjoys the position.
Betts went so far as to recently explain taking on shortstop duties has given him newfound joy.
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