Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Feels Mookie Betts Plays Better When He’s at Second Base

Mookie Betts is going to be the Dodgers’ everyday second baseman in 2024. Manager Dave Roberts revealed that earlier this offseason at the Winter Meetings.

Betts split time between right field and the infield last season, giving L.A. much-needed flexibility. But now it seems that the team is making the move more a more permanent basis.

Roberts spoke about why he thinks that Betts is a better player when he plays in the dirt rather than out in the outfield.

“I think you get a better Mookie Betts by playing him at second base. The production spoke to that.”

Per Dave Roberts via The OC Register

His production warranted a move like this anyway. Betts had a 1.004 OPS while playing the infield compared to a .970 OPS while playing the outfield last season. 

The wear and tear from playing the outfield was something that the Dodgers have been very aware of, and they want to make sure that Betts can play as close to 162 games a season down the line. They need him in the lineup, and this is one of the best ways to make it happen.

Betts came up as an infielder before he moved to right field with the Boston Red Sox, so he is more than comfortable making this change back. L.A. wants to maximize Betts this coming season, despite him coming in second place in the NL MVP race this past season.

The team knows what he is capable of and wants to make sure that it sustains through the entire season and postseason.

“No question. And he’ll say the same thing,” Roberts said when asked if playing the infield helped fuel Betts’ season in 2023.

Per Dave Roberts via The OC Register

This move opens up a ton of roster flexibility for the Dodgers going forward, and the team is thankful for the versatility of Betts. He may be the most expensive second baseman in the game today, but he is well worth the price.

Photo Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports

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