Dave Roberts: Mookie Betts expected to be Dodgers’ primary 2B

Mookie Betts’ unique blend of defensive versatility and elite offensive production led to a runner-up finish in 2023 NL MVP voting, as the six-time Gold Glove-winning right fielder saw considerable time at both second base and shortstop, in addition to his customary right field. 

Betts might have more of a set position in 2024, but it won’t be right field, according to manager Dave Roberts.

“I think it’s pretty safe to say that No. 50, Mookie Betts, is going to be our everyday second baseman,” Roberts told MLB Network’s Alanna Rizzo in an appearance on High Heat Monday (video link). “It’s one of those things where he’s a Gold Glover out in right field, 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’s playing second base. And obviously with the signing of Jason Heyward, to put him out in right field, to go out there and play versus right-handed pitching and to play a Gold Glove right field, it just makes our club better.”

While Roberts didn’t expressly rule out the possibility of Betts playing any outfield — he notably specified that Heyward would again play primarily against right-handed pitching — it seems the immediate plan is for Betts to line up at second base and form a double play tandem with Gavin Lux (or a potential outside acquisition). 

Defensive Runs Saved (6) and Ultimate Zone Rating (1) both pegged Betts as an above-average defender at second base, while Statcast’s Outs Above Average put him only slightly below, at -1. Betts played plenty of middle infield during his early minor league tenure in the Red Sox’ system and largely moved to the outfield due to the presence of Dustin Pedroia on the big league roster.

A full-time return to the infield for Betts gives the Dodgers a primary outfield of Chris Taylor, James Outman and Heyward (left to right), with Betts, Jonny Deluca and top prospect Andy Pages all potentially joining the mix. 

Additional outfield depth could yet be brought in, of course. In the infield, they’ll likely lean on Max Muncy at third base, Lux at short, Betts at second and fellow MVP candidate Freddie Freeman at first base.

Injuries could ultimately push Betts back to the outfield with more regularity, but in a followup appearance on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (video link), Roberts spoke about Betts personally being on board with the move to second base, as it’ll allow him to remain in the lineup more as he ages: “I think when he runs out to right field every day, and as he starts to get a little bit older, he’s starting to look and see that we’ve got to play him less when he plays right field. And so when he played second base a lot last year, he was able to be in the lineup [more].”

Roberts added that it’s easier for the team’s front office to “find someone” who can pair with Heyward as a right-handed option in right field than to find a second baseman, making the move better from a roster construction standpoint. 

Based on the full context of Roberts’ comments, it doesn’t seem as though the move to second base is presently viewed as a one-off for the 2024 season, although Betts’ superb athleticism and subsequent versatility will allow the club to keep a return to right field on the table as a possibility down the road, should it make sense from a roster construction standpoint in future offseasons.