SAN ANTONIO — Just a week after taking the World Series title, the Dodgers didn’t hesitate to stir things up at the General Manager Meetings.
They announced a bold move, shifting six-time Gold Glove winner Mookie Betts back to the infield, GM Brandon Gomes revealed. That, of course, opens up a spot in right field.
Who might fill Betts’ position in right? Well, there happens to be a certain right fielder on the market with a price tag of around $700 million.
If the Dodgers reach out, it’s unlikely Juan Soto would reject a West Coast offer.
A Soto-Dodgers pairing might seem about as likely as Kamala Harris and Donald Trump sharing a toast, especially since the Dodgers proved they could win a World Series without him.
But the speculation highlights just how deep and adaptable the Dodgers have become.
Not many teams could just shrug off the news that presumed MVP Shohei Ohtani recently had surgery on his left shoulder labrum, potentially sidelining him from pitching by their season opener against the Cubs in Tokyo on March 18.
His full recovery timeline is still unclear.
“The prognosis is promising,” Gomes shared. “We’ll take the time to ensure he goes through proper rehab. Fortunately, it’s his left, non-throwing shoulder and his back shoulder for swinging, which is ideal.”
“We’ll monitor his progress and take things one step at a time, given that he’s also a hitter. We’re focused on making sure every box is checked health-wise… But we’re confident he’ll be ready for spring training.”
With or without Ohtani pitching, the Dodgers still plan to open the season with a strong six-man rotation: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin, Clayton Kershaw or Bobby Miller, and potentially even 23-year-old Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki, who recently declined an offer from the Chiba Lotte Mariners and is expected to join the Dodgers if posted.
And even with this depth, Gomes mentioned the Dodgers’ interest in re-signing free-agent starter Walker Buehler and possibly other arms.
“We had 12 starters last year, and it wasn’t enough,” Gomes admitted. “We’ll definitely be exploring more options in the pitching market.”
Now, with Betts likely headed to second base, GMs around the league are curious if the Dodgers will pursue free-agent shortstop Willy Adames, bring back All-Star outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, go after Soto, trade infielder Gavin Lux, or perhaps set an outfield of Tommy Edman, Andy Pages, and either James Outman or Chris Taylor.
“Mookie’s selflessness stands out,” Gomes commented. “He’s one of the most team-oriented superstars, and that attitude resonates throughout the squad.”
Re-signing Hernandez is another key goal for the Dodgers. After a stellar season with 33 home runs and 99 RBIs, he received a $21.05 million qualifying offer this week.
“Teo was instrumental in our success on the field,” Gomes noted. “He also had a big impact in the clubhouse, particularly with younger players. We’ll be in touch with his team soon.”
These moves promise headaches for other NL West teams trying to slow down the Dodgers.
Having reached the postseason 12 consecutive years with 11 division titles, four NL pennants, and two World Series championships, the Dodgers remain the team to beat.
“My expectation is that the Dodgers will only get better,” Arizona Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen said. “They improve almost every year. Facing them is challenging, but it pushes us to improve long-term.”
In the American League East, the Yankees have a similar hold. “There’s always a big team to watch out for,” said Phillies president Dave Dombrowski. “For the AL, it was the Yankees, and for the NL, it’s the Dodgers.”
With Opening Day still months away, the Dodgers are already seen as the favorites for 2025.
After a season where they managed a World Series win despite cycling through 40 pitchers and dealing with 15 on the injured list, their potential with a full roster is massive.
“The injuries last season tested our depth,” Gomes noted. “Getting those players back will boost our pitching talent. Our aim is to be back, stronger, and in contention for another championship next year.”
