When the Dodgers moved superstar right-fielder Mookie Betts to second base, they wanted to reduce the toll playing 162 games plus playoffs takes on a player's body. Betts even said that just the shorter run from the dugout to second base to start an inning adds up over course of the season.
The move did not last long as they moved Betts to shortstop following defensive struggles from Gavin Lux at the position. Not only does shortstop place more strain on a player, but it's one of the toughest positions to play on the diamond.
Betts showed his defensive wizardry last year in 70 appearances at second base. However, that production did not translate to shortstop, by his own elite standards, in his 17 appearances there last year.
In a recent report by Bob Nightengale of USA Today, he revealed the Dodgers have a backup plan if Betts cannot figure out the position. Nightengale says the Dodgers would turn to oft-rumored Dodgers trade target Willy Adames of the Milwaukee Brewers, via a trade.
"If the Dodgers get leery about the Mookie Betts’ ability to play shortstop, after not playing the positon on an everyday basis since high school, they plan to turn to the Milwaukee Brewers and make a run at shortstop Willy Adames, who’s a free agent after the season."
Adames grades out as one of the best defenders in all of baseball by pretty much every metric. He brings power to the plate from the right side, but also strikes out more than a fair bit.
He would be an upgrade over anyone on the Dodgers roster defensively. With this being his final year of team control, he also might not cost too much in the way of prospect capital.
An interesting conversation arises about what the team would do with Lux if this came to pass. This move would put Betts back at second base and leave Lux without a position.
This could signal that the team is willing to move on from the former Minor League Player of the Year. With the team spending over $1.3 billion in the offseason to put together a superstar roster, the pressure is on to win a World Series soon.
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