With Numerous Stars in One Infield, How Will the Dodgers Fit Them All In?
January 22, 2024 by Emily Montano
January 22, 2024 by Emily Montano
Photo via MLB.com
In less than a month, the Dodgers will be at Camelback Ranch getting ready for their much-awaited 2024 season. We’ll take a look at the infield positions that most likely won’t see any more additions or changes.
The Dodgers' infield will have no competition on the right side of the diamond once Spring Training goes underway. With Freddie Freeman hitting some of the best he has been in his career; the MVP is the most solidified option in this talent loaded infield.
Then, Mookie Betts got his hope of playing more second base last season due to the injury of Gavin Lux in Spring Training. We should see the former MVP staying in the infield more this year due to the Dodgers have recently acquired former Seattle Mariner Teoscar Hernández and re-signing Jason Heyward, which only makes it possible for Betts to be the team's everyday second baseman.
For the third consecutive season, Max Muncy signed a two-year extension with the Dodgers to play the team’s third baseman. Last season, Muncy had a hard time both defensively and offensively, so the hope is he turns around and performs at the plate this upcoming season. Even with the struggling batting average, the power is far from being gone for the lefty. Muncy ended the 2023 season with 36 home runs on the season.
Shortstop will be an exciting position to see this season for the blue and white. With Gavin Lux being able to play more than just second base, it is expected for him to perform and be a key player on this team. But just because it's expected, doesn't mean it will happen.
Photo via Forbes
On the other hand, Miguel Rojas and Chris Taylor have been exceptional substitutions when needed. Rojas did a great job stepping in for Lux when he went down with his right knee injury. He is a great player defensively but offensively couldn’t provide as much as he would like. With Lux now being able to play, the Dodgers can benefit at shortstop more from the plate, but it’s nice comfort to know a great defensive player like Rojas can step in when needed.
Although Taylor has spent the last three seasons mainly in the outfield, he is capable of filling in at second or third when necessary, being one of the most dynamic players in the MLB. Taylor will return to his super-utility role, which has made him an extremely valuable player of the Dodgers club throughout his time there, now that he does not have a fixed position on the team.
It will be exciting to see how this team unfolds this 2024 season with this star-studded infield.