Mookie Betts served as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ primary shortstop to begin the 2024 season until a left hand fracture sidelined him for nearly two months.
That led to Miguel Rojas taking over starting shortstop duties, and he remained in that role for most of the second half until a sports hernia limited him during the postseason.
Tommy Edman and Gavin Lux are among the other Dodgers under contract who saw time at shortstop during the 2024 season. However, it isn’t clear if any of the aforementioned players will be given the starting job at the position next year.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said the team could look to add a shortstop this offseason but that it isn’t a major focus, via Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:
“I don’t think it’s a pressing need,” Gomes said of adding a shortstop. “But it’s not something that — if there’s an ability to add good players, and that’s the best way to do it, we’re certainly open to it.”
If the Dodgers look to bring in a more established shortstop this offseason, one potential option is Milwaukee Brewers free agent Willy Adames.
The Dodgers have had long-standing interest in Adames, and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman most notably acquired him as general manager of the Tampa Bay Rays.
However, the Milwaukee Brewers extended the qualifying offer to Adames, which means the Dodgers would have to forfeit draft compensation to sign him. Assuming, of course, that Adames does reject the qualifying offer as is expected.
Another option could be re-signing Kiké Hernández, who has experience at shortstop and already expressed a desire to return to the Dodgers.
Will Mookie Betts be Dodgers shortstop in 2025?
While Gomes previously indicated that Betts would be playing the infield at the start of the 2025 season, he added the possibility has not been permanently decided on.
The eight-time All-Star was lauded throughout the year by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and teammates for his willingness to play any position that best suited the club.
However, Betts also admitted that learning to play shortstop at the Major League level was one of the hardest challenges he’s ever encountered.
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