At the start of the 2024 season, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was faced with the enviable problem of figuring out the order his three MVPs would hit. It was a decision, of course, every manager would love to make.
Mookie Betts had been the main leadoff option in the Dodgers lineup since joining the team in 2020. Freddie Freeman had not been in that role during his time with the Atlanta Braves and neither had Shohei Ohtani for much of his Los Angeles Angels career.
When reflecting on how that initially unfolded, Roberts recalled meeting with Betts, Ohtani and Freeman about the Dodgers lineup order, via Sports Hochi:
“We called the three of them into the manager’s office at the same time and talked with just the four of us. “What do you guys think?” Mookie (Betts) said, “I want to bat first or second.” Shohei said, “I don’t care.” Freddie (Freeman) said, “I don’t want to bat only first.” So we told them that Mookie would be number 1, Shohei would be number 2, and Freddie would be number 3.”
The order of Betts, Ohtani and Freeman proved to be a successful arrangement as all three players had a batting average of .300 or better and the Dodgers were 44-29 on June 16.
A fractured left hand that Betts suffered that day against the Kansas City Royals kept him out of lineup until Aug. 12. In the meantime, Ohtani who filled in and thrived as the Dodgers’ new leadoff hitter.
It prompted another discussion about who would be in that spot once Betts returned from the injured list:
“When I asked Shohei, “Do you want to bat first?” he said, “Yup.” Then he hit a lot of home runs… Mookie (Betts), who was just about to return, asked me, “When I come back, will you be first or second?” So I asked him, “What do you think?” and he said, “I’ll bat second!” I’m grateful that players give me answers like this. With Mookie batting second, the lineup would be left, right, left, so even if the opponent hits a left-handed pitcher against Shohei, they’ll have to face Mookie on the right afterwards, so it was convenient. As for Shohei, I also wanted him to have five at-bats in one game.”
The unselfish attitude displayed by Betts and Freeman is an example of the culture established in the Dodgers clubhouse, which Roberts is partially responsible for.
It’s also a testament to the all-world talent Ohtani possesses. His combination of speed, power and plate discipline affords the Dodgers plenty of flexibility in the event he is moved around at the top of the order.
Projected Dodgers lineup
While the Dodgers re-signed Teoscar Hernández and added Michael Conforto, their lineup will again be led by Ohtani, Betts and Freeman.
Given the success from last year and for the sake of continuity, there is an expectation the top of the Dodgers lineup will remain the same order.
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