The Los Angeles Dodgers spent more money than any other team this offseason to strengthen important positions on a team that has appeared in the playoffs for 10 consecutive seasons.
But issues at an unattended infield position became evident just nine days before the start of the 2024 season when star player Mookie Betts was moved to shortstop due to teammate Gavin Lux's defensive issues.
Betts shared his feelings about the news during a recent episode of his “On Base With Mookie Betts” podcast.
“Being named the shortstop was really special to me,” Betts said. “I hadn't played shortstop regularly since I was 18. And now, at 31, I finally get to do it again. This is a dream come true.
The Los Angeles Dodgers Have Moved Gavin Lux After Defensive Issues
After having won six Gold Glove Awards as a right fielder, Betts had considered moving to second base before being switched to shortstop for the Dodgers’ Spring Training game against the Cincinnati Reds. The move was made so that teammate Gavin Lux could take over at second base after struggling during the preseason.
“For the second spring in a row, Lux's expected move to shortstop didn't happen,” according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. “The 26-year-old former top prospect, coming back from a torn ACL suffered last spring, had more throwing problems that derailed the team's plans.”
In his first two opportunities after returning to action, Lux made two consecutive errors, frequently overthrowing or bouncing his throws to first base.
“He was struggling with it,” Manager Dave Roberts said, talking about Lux's inability to make routine plays, as reported by Ardaya.
Ardaya later reported that Roberts described the move as “permanent, for now.”
Betts also faced some challenges at a position he hadn't regularly played for 13 years. He missed the first ball that came his way, bouncing it off his glove and into the outfield. Shortly after, Lux missed a throw to first base during a double play attempt.
The Los Angeles Dodgers Might Turn to a Signing or Trade to Fill Shortstop
After spending over $1 billion on free agent acquisitions, the Dodgers have few options in the infield. The predicted shortstop depth chart also includes Miguel Rojas and Enrique Hernández, but it's uncertain if either player would be a better choice than Lux or Betts.
“Rojas was excellent defensively but has had two consecutive below-average offensive seasons,” according to Ardaya. “Kike Hernández struggled significantly as the full-time shortstop for the Red Sox at the start of last season before addressing a two-year abdominal injury with double hernia surgery this past winter.
If the Dodgers ultimately decide that no current player on the roster can handle the starting shortstop role, they may need to increase their spending or make a trade using their highly-rated farm system.
