The news that Mookie Betts would be switching from right field to second base on a regular basis for the Dodgers was announced to the public on Monday. In a live interview on MLB Network, manager Dave Roberts revealed the news.
This past season, Betts alternated between the infield and the outfield, providing the Dodgers’ team with much-needed versatility. It seems that the group intends to relocate more permanently than first anticipated.
According to Roberts, the 31-year-old Betts may spend the remainder of his career playing second base, which would be an unusual shift for a top outfielder in his prime. Over the course of his career, right fielder Betts has received six Gold Glove honors.
With any luck, the move will enable Betts to play in as many of the 162 regular-season contests as feasible. Roberts has long been aware of Betts’ preference, which he believes makes playing the infield less stressful than playing the outfield.
Betts has also performed much better offensively while playing on the dirt. In 2023, he played the infield and had an on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) of 1.004 as opposed to a.970 OPS in the outfield.
The club is attempting to make the most of their best player; it’s possible that Betts started the shift. When Betts first joined the Boston Red Sox in the major leagues, he was an infielder, so he feels extremely at ease switching back to that position.
With a deal worth $365 million, Betts is the highest-paid second baseman in Major League Baseball, well exceeding Marcus Semien of the Texas Rangers.
This winter, they are reportedly targeting another outfielder to occupy the right-handed position in that platoon configuration.
The Dodgers will always be grateful for Betts’ endless supply of flexibility.
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