The Los Angeles Dodgers planned on an aggressive change this past season with moving Mookie Betts to second base, which was quickly upended early into Spring Training as Gavin Lux struggled to get re-acclimated at shortstop.
Betts wound up flipping over to shortstop and Lux took on second base as the Dodgers entered the home stretch of preparing for the Seoul Series. Betts remained at shortstop until suffering a right hand fracture in June as a result of being hit by a pitch.
Miguel Rojas took over at shortstop and remained there when Betts returned. Tommy Edman also helped play the middle infield position with Betts back patrolling right field.
Early into this offseason, the Dodgers again laid the framework for moving Betts back into the infield. General manager Brandon Gomes now confirmed what looked like a reasonable possibility is indeed the plan as Betts is going to be the Dodgers’ shortstop in 2025, per Alden González of ESPN:
Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes confirmed what has basically been known for a few weeks now: Mookie Betts is preparing to play shortstop next season, and that’s what they’re planning for.
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) December 9, 2024
Betts changing to second base was attributed to both his interest in playing the position and the Dodgers’ overall goal of keeping him healthy for the remainder of a long-term contract.
There were mixed results at shortstop as Betts attempted the learn the position on the fly. He embraced the learning curve at shortstop and regularly went through drills hours before each game. There was some belief — though not in Betts’ eyes — the extra work negatively his impacted performance at the plate.
With a full offseason to prepare for the position, the Dodgers seem convinced Betts will be able to navigate the demands of playing shortstop while also being an important part of their lineup.
What was Dodgers shortstop plan if not Mookie Betts?
The Dodgers were among the teams with reported interest in Willy Adames, who signed a seven-year, $182 million contract with the San Francisco Giants.
Tommy Edman, who received a five-year contract extension, was another conceivable option at shortstop but center field long appeared his most likely position.
Miguel Rojas remains on the Dodgers roster, though the team presumably will monitor his workload and have the veteran fill a role off the bench.
Betts playing shortstop instead of second base also suggests Lux will remain with the team rather than possibly be traded.
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