Dodgers' Betts likely to play second base or shortstop in '25 - ESPN

SAN ANTONIO — Eight-time All-Star Mookie Betts is likely to move back to the infield, manning second base or shortstop for the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers in 2025, general manager Brandon Gomes said Wednesday.

«It could be second, it could be short. We don't really know yet,» Gomes said from the annual GM meetings. «We need to continue to have those conversations. But I think it's much more like, 'Hey, Mookie's looking to get back in the infield' than anything else.

»I know the toll on the body is less in the infield for him. So you can make arguments on both sides of it. But the beauty of Mookie is it's the most selfless superstar we've ever been around. And that permeates through the team."

Betts, 32, spent the first 72 games of the 2024 season as the Dodgers' shortstop after splitting time between second base and right field the previous season. With an acute need for outfield production this season, Los Angeles moved Betts back to right when he returned from a broken hand Aug. 12 after sitting out nearly two months.

Los Angeles could re-sign free agent outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, who spent 2024 as its left fielder but is a natural right fielder, or it could pursue free agent star Juan Soto, though the team is likely to balk at a price tag expected to approach, if not exceed, $600 million.

Betts' versatility aligns well with the Dodgers' roster, which also includes Tommy Edman (who plays shortstop and center field), Gavin Lux (a second baseman who has also played shortstop and outfield) and utilityman Chris Taylor. The Dodgers also could venture into the free agent market for former Milwaukee shortstop Willy Adames.

«For Mookie winning is always No. 1,» Gomes said, «so I just wouldn't be surprised if