Mookie Betts Will Be The Dodgers Everyday 2B In 2024
Mookie Betts was all over the place on defense last season. He started 77 games at right field, 62 games at second base and 12 games at shortstop.
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed this week that Betts will be the everyday second baseman next season, which is something he enjoyed last year.
“I think it’s pretty safe to say that No. 50, Mookie Betts, is going to be our everyday second baseman,” Roberts said on MLB Network.
“It’s one of those things where he’s a Gold Glover out in right field,” Roberts said. “But I think when you’re talking about putting together a roster and someone who can be so offensive at second base, you can get more games out of him if he is playing second base. And obviously with the signing of Jason Heyward, to put him out there in right field to go out there and play right-handed pitching and to play a Gold Glove right field, it just makes our club better.”
When the Boston Red Sox initially drafted Betts, he was an infielder and played some of his minor league days in the infield. Since transitioning to the outfield, he has become a seven-time all-star and a six-time gold glove winner.
As of right now, the Dodgers outfield will consist of James Outman, Jason Heyward and Chris Taylor.
This move officially makes Betts the highest-paid outfielder of all time. At 31-years-old, it seems like the main reason behind this is because the position causes less wear and tear than the outfield. Longevity is key with a contract as large as his and I think this move protects both sides.
As long as this move worked like it did last season, this could be where we see Betts for the rest of his career.
