The Los Angeles Dodgers have found their shortstop! The best part—they didn’t have to go looking for him, do an impact signing, or even check into the trade market—they got the gem right at home—Mookie Betts. The 32-year-old is known for his versatility and was originally in the right field until he was sent to the infield in 2024. He had come into that position after Gavin Lux struggled defensively in spring training. But a mid-season hand injury sidelined Mookie Betts from continuing in this demanding role right back to the right field.

However, by then, Betts proved that he could hold that shortstop crown. Despite the setback, the Dodgers managed the lineup properly; Miquel Rojas and Tommy Edman stepped in while Betts recovered. Plus, Betts did great in his usual right-field position, and during the playoff run, his role was pivotal in the World Series win. Yet, the team is stern that Mookie Betts will be back to the shortstop role in the upcoming 2025 season. Andrew Friedman, the president of baseball operations for the Dodgers, is sure Betts is the one for the role!

One shouldn’t bet against Mookie Betts, as shortstop says Friedman

General Manager Brandon Gomes in November confirmed it by saying, “The assumption right now is that Mookie Betts will move back to the infield in 2025, where needed.” Also recently, Andrew Friedman was asked about whether he was comfortable with Mookie Betts and the decision to keep him as a shortstop. He backed the decision to keep Betts in the infield completely.

“To know Mookie and who he is, you wouldn’t bet against him. His mindset is, ‘I know exactly what I need to do, and I’m going to attack it every day.’ So, I’ll let the fools on the other side of the table bet against him—we certainly would not,” Friedman mentioned at the MLB GM Winter Meeting in Dallas. Plus, even though Mookie Betts did make errors at that position, the team believes with an entire off-season to prep, Mookie could take on that role perfectly without a hiccup.

However, the team did look into other options. Willy Adames, the free agent who has now signed with the Giants for a whopping $182 million seven-year deal, was also on their radar. There was also the Chicago Cubs’ Nico Hoerner, who is a versatile second baseman with plenty of experience. But, in the end, they didn’t dive into that market for a shortstop; instead, the big vote of confidence all lies in Mookie Betts.

Mookie Betts’s selfless attitude wins over Brandon Gomes

Brandon Gomes has nothing but admiration for Mookie Betts and his selfless dedication to the game and mostly the team. Gomes said at the GM meeting, “For Mookie, winning is always No. 1. So I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s like, ‘Hey, this is the best thing. I’ll play wherever.’ I think catching is probably out of the realm of possibility, although I’m sure he would be good at that as well.” Mookie deserves that appreciation given switching positions isn’t easy; it isn’t a casual change but an adjustment that requires a unique skill set.

For outfielders, one needs to emphasize throwing range, whereas infielders pinpoint accuracy. Hence, the transition is a challenge, but Betts, when asked about the shift, didn’t hesitate. Given Betts’s willingness to be flexible in supporting the LA Dodgers, it also opened other opportunities. Talents in the outfield like Tommy Edman, Andy Pages, and James Outman have a chance to step up.

This move could also help the team consider possible trade opportunities, for example, with Gavin Lux or Miguel Rojas. Mookie Betts sure has an entire off-season to prep for his new role. Now, it remains to be seen how polished he will be in 2025—so, what do you think will happen? Share below.