Jul 7, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts (50) is greeted after hitting a solo home run against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Chicago Cubs at Los Angeles Dodgers
(New York, NY) — After 2,172 games patrolling the outfield, Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts will begin a new chapter in 2023.
Dave Roberts said on Monday that Mookie Betts will play close to 20 games at second base during the regular season. It’s an interesting development after the Dodgers manager just last week told Tom Verducci that he would likely play around 40 games, and the other 110 in right field.
Verducci also asked if that meant the other 10 games would be at designated hitter. “Nah. He doesn’t like DH,” Roberts said. “Ten days off.”
The 30-year-old was initially drafted as a second baseman by the Boston Red Sox in the 2011 MLB draft, but transitioned to right field thanks to Red Sox All-Star second baseman Dustin Pedroia.
Fast Forward 12 seasons and the six-time Gold Glove Award winner is finally back to his old routes.
Wondering if he could make the transition? Dodgers outfielder Trace Thompson, who’s representing Great Britain at the World Baseball Classic spoke with MLB Network on Monday and gave Betts the stamp of approval.
“I wouldn’t doubt in his [Mookie Betts] future if he ended up moving to second base, I wouldn’t doubt that he would win a Gold Glove or be one of the best defensive second basemen’s in the league just because he’s that skilled and determined.”
Roberts also confirmed that Betts will be the Dodgers’ leadoff hitter this season. Wherever the 10-year veteran plays, expect him to once again be productive in 2023.
Betts is in the early years of a 12-year, $365 million contract — the second-wealthiest total deal in MLB — behind Angels Mike Trout.
