Are the Dodgers already preparing to welcome Juan Soto? One thing is certain: they definitely want Soto and are even ready to take drastic measures. Mookie Betts is one of the greatest right fielders of modern times, yet, his position in the team is being shifted to infield for the coming season. These changes have provoked some to speculate that the team is making a place for Soto. But isn’t it too early?
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ plan to move Mookie Betts between shortstop and second base next season isn’t just a tactical adjustment—it might also be a subtle hint about the team’s bigger priorities. While on the surface, the news may feel like a potential blow to Gavin Lux, who’s been a fixture at second base, there’s a deeper layer to unpack here. By shifting Betts—one of the league’s most versatile stars—the Dodgers open up the possibility of a full-time vacancy in right field.
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
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Now, why does that matter? Well, the right field is the primary home of none other than Juan Soto, and the timing of these moves could be more than coincidental. It’s way too early to make any solid predictions about Soto’s future in LA, but the fact that the Dodgers are making a potential space for him does say a lot, don’t you think? The latest rumors that were connecting the Los Angeles Dodgers to free agent Juan Soto highlighted his upcoming contract could reach close to Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million mark.
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Let’s just say, the rest of the baseball world might just go crazy if that happens – competing with a lineup boasting both Soto and Mookie Betts sounds challenging. Add that to a rotation that could feature a healthy Clayton Kershaw, a potentially historic Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Shohei Ohtani himself in the mix.
What do the Dodgers have for Juan Soto?
Now, are the Dodgers the favorites to land Soto? Not necessarily, but then again, they were never really considered the favorites to sign Japanese phenom Yoshinobu Yamamoto either. That didn’t stop the team from flexing their finances – the Dodgers have shown time and again that they can do miracles when it counts. And let’s not forget their added advantage – a World Series title; that fire is still burning in every player.
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What’s your perspective on:
Are the Dodgers setting the stage for an unbeatable lineup with Juan Soto and Mookie Betts?
Have an interesting take?
So, adding Soto to this mix is no longer some far-fetched dream—it’s a distinct possibility. The Dodgers have the financial resources to drive a deal like this, the team culture to attract top talent, and a roster that could make Juan Soto feel like the perfect fit. But what about the rest of the MLB? If Soto lands in LA and the Dodgers lock down even more high-caliber stars, there might be absolutely no competition at all.
There’s no guarantee this all plays out, but the possibility is real. As for Juan Soto, the Yankees, the Dodgers, the Mets, or the Phillies seem to be his prime options. What’s your take on this? Let us know below.
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Are the Dodgers setting the stage for an unbeatable lineup with Juan Soto and Mookie Betts?