How the Dodgers' Signing of Teoscar Hernández Affects Mookie Betts

The Dodgers found their second baseman of the future.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts caused a stir during the Winter Meetings when he announced that Mookie Betts would be the everyday second baseman for the team.

At the time, the club still had a hole in the outfield. James Outman should get regular starts in center field and Jason Heyward and Manuel Margot will form a platoon for one of the corner outfield spots. 

Signing Teoscar Hernández to a one-year, $23.5 million as an everyday outfielder cemented Betts at second base. During Hernández's introductory press conference, Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes confirmed that Betts will indeed play the majority of the year on the right side of the infield.

Brandon Gomes confirmed Mookie Betts will play "a vast majority" of his games at second base this year.

— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) January 16, 2024

Last year, Betts appeared at second base in 70 games, and he did not miss a beat. His smooth footwork and glove made moving into the infield appear effortless. Offensively, he continued to be Mookie Betts, slashing .326/.422/.574 for a 171 wRC+ while playing second.

Bets has made it known that he prefers playing second base. He claims it keeps him healthy and more engaged during the game. With the recent restrictions on the shift, Betts should have plenty of opportunities to flash the leather next year. 

Moving from the outfield to the infield is no small feat, and doing so is a huge boon for the team. It provides them with "optionality," — Dave Roberts' favorite phrase — when creating a lineup and when targeting free agents. 

Overall, the Mookie Betts trade continues to pay dividends for Los Angeles. Not only did they get a perennial MVP candidate, but they got a top defender in multiple positions to build around.