Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Although the celebrating continues, the offseason is underway for the 2024 World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, and they have a lot of work in front of them.
One key area for the Dodgers will be figuring out their starting middle infield and outfield for the 2025 season. Teoscar Hernández is a free agent, leaving the Dodgers with Mookie Betts, Tommy Edman, Miguel Rojas, Andy Pages, Gavin Lux, Chris Taylor and James Outman to fill the mix as the roster is currently constructed.
That gives the Dodgers some versatility in how they address their needs with multiple players already on the roster having the ability to play the infield and outfield.
However, it appears the Dodgers have already made part of their decision on where Betts will be playing. General manager Brandon Gomes said the Dodgers anticipate Betts playing the infield in 2025, via Joel Sherman of the New York Post:
Brandon Gomes said the assumption right now is Mookie Betts will move back to the infield in 2025, where needed at second or shortstop. #Dodgers
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) November 6, 2024
The Dodgers originally planned on Betts being their starting second baseman heading into the 2024 season. The hope was it would help protect his body more and allow him to stay fresh for the season and healthier for the duration of his contract.
But as the Dodgers dealt with often in the 2024 season, plans were forced to change. Gavin Lux’s inability to handle shortstop forced him to second base, and that made Betts learn shortstop on the fly.
The results at shortstop were mixed for Betts, but there was more bad that good until he suffered an a fractured left hand. When he returned, Rojas had settled into the shortstop position, and the Dodgers decided it would be best for Betts to move back to right field.
Although the Dodgers have not set his position in stone, getting Betts back at second base makes the most sense. That would leave Gavin Lux as a trade piece with Edman either filling in as the starting shortstop or center fielder.
Pages should also be in the mix for a starting job, while Outman, Rojas and Taylor are best suited as bench bats. That leaves the Dodgers with an open corner outfield spot and one opening at either shortstop or center field, depending on how they view Edman and who they can acquire.
Dalton Rushing could find himself in the mix for a corner outfield spot as well, but it seems likely the Dodgers make some external additions to their lineup regardless.
Does Mookie Betts affect pursuit of Teoscar Hernández or Juan Soto?
With Betts moving to the infield, the Dodgers are likely going to focus on bringing Hernández back, or making a push for Juan Soto. Both corner outfielders would drastically improve the roster as constructed and fill a need on the team.
Soto would be a dream scenario for the club as he is one of the best hitters in baseball and a future Hall of Famer at just 26 years old, and they reportedly plan to check in on his market. However, there are concerns about if he is willing to sign on the West Coast.
As for Hernández, the Dodgers extended him the one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer, which he could accept to stay with the team. But it’s more likely he declines it and tries to work out a multi-year deal with the Dodgers or another club.
Willy Adames and Ha-Seong Kim could also be in play if the Dodgers look toward the free agent shortstop market.
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