"I wouldn't bet against Mookie Betts" - Dodgers president confident of superstar leading infield in 2025

Earlier in November, LA Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes said Mookie Betts, who played in right field in the postseason, will return to infield (at shortstop) in 2025. This will no longer be a strange position for Betts who flirted with it in 2023 before playing most of 2024 in the position.

He had hard times adjusting to the position but did relatively well. Gomes said Betts will use the offseason to develop and learn more about the position so that during the regular season, it doesn't become too strenuous for him.

Even Dodgers president Andrew Friedman spoke about the same at the ongoing MLB GM Winter Meetings in Dallas. He spoke confidently about the six-time Gold Glove winner doing well in a new position.

"Yeah, I mean, that's exactly what he's training for this offseason," Friedman said (5:59 onwards). "Knowing Mookie and who he is, you wouldn’t bet against him. His mindset is, 'I know exactly what I need to do, and I’m going to attack it every day.' So, I’ll let the fools on the other side of the table bet against him—we certainly would not.

"His ability to get off the ball, his range, and his hands all played well above average. He had some trouble fully utilizing his arm—obviously, he has an exceptional arm talent—but it was about body positioning, learning, and timing. Switching positions in mid-March last year meant he had to hit the ground running, but now he’s determined to attack it head-on. I wouldn’t bet against him."

Brandon Gomes full of praise for Mookie Betts' selfless approach for the team

It's never to easy to switch positions from outfield to infield since it involves a lot of different drills and arm performance. While in outfield, the range of one's throw is more important, in infield, the accuracy of the throw takes precedence.

When Mookie Betts was asked about it, he was selfless, ready to accommodate in a new position, so that the team can give reps to traditional and upcoming outfielders like Tommy Edman, Andy Pages and James Outman.

"For Mookie, winning is always No. 1," Brandon Gomes said at the General Managers Meetings. "So I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s like, ‘Hey, this is the best thing. I’ll play wherever.’ I think catching is probably out of the realm of possibility, although I’m sure he would be good at that as well."

Having Mookie Betts playing shortstop will allow Dodgers to use either of Gavin Lux and Miguel Rojas as a potential trade candidate in future deals.