Dodgers star didn’t want to bat leadoff before the 2024 season, says Dave Roberts.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have long been a team known for its depth, versatility, and offensive prowess, with a lineup that is stacked with stars and capable of scoring runs from top to bottom. However, like any team, the Dodgers face certain lineup decisions each season that can have a significant impact on their overall performance. In 2024, one of the most intriguing storylines revolves around the team’s leadoff hitter, a spot typically reserved for a player who can set the tone offensively with the ability to get on base, create havoc on the bases, and get things going early for the team.

While many would assume that the Dodgers’ top stars would be eager to take on the challenge of leading off, one of the team’s most prominent players had a different perspective heading into the 2024 season. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed that a star player, who is expected to be a key part of the lineup, was initially reluctant to assume the leadoff role before the start of the season. This revelation has sparked conversation and raised questions about how it might impact the team’s offensive strategy moving forward.

In this article, we will explore the circumstances surrounding the decision to have this particular player lead off, the factors that led to his reluctance, how manager Dave Roberts addressed the issue, and the broader implications for the Dodgers’ offense. Additionally, we will look at how this decision fits into the larger context of the Dodgers’ lineup construction and how it could shape their chances for success in 2024.

The Leadoff Role and Its Importance

In Major League Baseball, the leadoff hitter holds a unique and crucial position in the lineup. This player is typically tasked with setting the stage for the rest of the order, using their speed and on-base skills to get on base early in the game. A great leadoff hitter can establish a tone, frustrate pitchers, and even ignite rallies by being a disruptive presence on the base paths.

For many teams, the leadoff spot is reserved for a player with elite contact skills, a high on-base percentage, and the ability to turn the lineup over. Speed is often a key trait of a successful leadoff hitter, as it allows the player to take advantage of extra-base hits and base-stealing opportunities. Historically, players like Ricky Henderson, Craig Biggio, and Ichiro Suzuki have set the standard for what it means to be an effective leadoff hitter—batting with patience, creating opportunities, and ensuring that the lineup gets off to a strong start.

For the Dodgers, whose offense is built around a mix of power, patience, and high on-base percentage, the choice of a leadoff hitter is of paramount importance. The Dodgers have a wealth of talent in their batting order, but finding the right player to lead off is not always a straightforward decision. It requires a player who not only fits the profile of a traditional leadoff hitter but also one who can handle the responsibility of setting the tone for the entire lineup.

The Reluctant Leadoff Candidate

Heading into the 2024 season, there was considerable discussion about who would fill the leadoff spot in the Dodgers’ lineup. The team boasted several star players capable of contributing at the top of the order, but one name stood out as a potential candidate: Mookie Betts.

Betts, one of the best all-around players in the game, has been an offensive powerhouse for the Dodgers since joining the team. With his ability to hit for both power and average, as well as his exceptional defensive skills, Betts has been a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ success. He’s known for his ability to drive in runs, get on base, and hit in clutch situations. However, the idea of Betts leading off was not something that he embraced initially.

According to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Betts was reluctant to bat leadoff before the 2024 season. Despite his success in various parts of the lineup, Betts had never really viewed himself as a prototypical leadoff hitter. Historically, he had primarily batted in the second or third spots, where his power and run-producing abilities could be maximized. The idea of leading off, where a player’s primary goal is to get on base and not necessarily to drive in runs, was a concept that Betts didn’t immediately feel comfortable with.

For a player of Betts’ caliber, the prospect of relinquishing the more traditional middle-of-the-order role to hit leadoff might have seemed like a step back, or at least an adjustment that required a shift in mindset. Betts, known for his competitive drive and desire to contribute in the best way possible, had concerns about taking on a role that might not align with his strengths—namely, driving in runs and being a consistent offensive force from the heart of the lineup.

Dave Roberts’ Approach to the Situation

Despite Betts’ initial hesitation, Dave Roberts, the Dodgers’ manager, had a different perspective on the role. Roberts has long been a manager who embraces flexibility and is known for his ability to adapt to the changing needs of the team. He recognized that Betts’ skill set, particularly his on-base percentage and ability to get on base via walks and hits, made him an ideal candidate for the leadoff spot. Furthermore, Betts’ speed and ability to score from first base on extra-base hits gave the Dodgers another dimension at the top of the lineup.

Roberts understood that getting the best out of Betts in the leadoff spot would require a shift in mindset, not just for the player but also for the coaching staff and the organization as a whole. The manager noted that he had several conversations with Betts about the potential benefits of hitting leadoff and how it could serve both him and the team. Roberts explained that he emphasized how leading off could put Betts in a better position to help the team win games, even if it meant a slight adjustment to his usual role.

Roberts’ approach was rooted in his belief that Betts could excel in any situation, and that his versatility as a hitter would allow him to thrive in the leadoff spot. Rather than focusing solely on driving in runs, Roberts encouraged Betts to think about the larger picture: getting on base, setting the table for the heart of the order, and providing an example of disciplined at-bats for the rest of the team.

The conversations between Roberts and Betts were a key part of the Dodgers’ decision-making process. Ultimately, Betts agreed to embrace the challenge of leading off, recognizing that it would give the team the best chance to win. His willingness to accept the role, even if it wasn’t what he initially envisioned, speaks volumes about his team-first mentality and his desire to contribute in any way possible.

The Benefits of Mookie Betts Leading Off

Betts’ acceptance of the leadoff role has already begun to pay dividends for the Dodgers. As the 2024 season gets underway, Betts’ presence at the top of the lineup has given the team an added dimension. His ability to get on base, whether through walks, singles, or extra-base hits, has provided the Dodgers with the perfect table-setter. With the heart of the lineup behind him—players like Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, and Max Muncy—Betts can create scoring opportunities early in games.

In addition to his on-base skills, Betts’ speed has proven to be an asset in the leadoff spot. His ability to steal bases and stretch singles into doubles adds an element of unpredictability to the Dodgers’ offense. Furthermore, Betts’ ability to hit for both power and average means that opposing pitchers can’t afford to pitch around him, making him a more difficult hitter to manage.

From a strategic perspective, having Betts lead off also allows the Dodgers to maximize the production of their other star hitters. With Betts setting the table, the middle of the lineup can focus on driving in runs, creating a more balanced and potent offensive attack. Additionally, Betts’ ability to drive in runs from the leadoff spot is not to be underestimated—he’s shown that he can still deliver when needed, providing a rare combination of power and speed at the top of the order.

What This Means for the Dodgers’ Offense

The decision to have Mookie Betts bat leadoff could prove to be one of the most important lineup decisions the Dodgers make in 2024. With Betts in the leadoff spot, the team has the flexibility to maximize the production of its entire lineup. The combination of Betts’ on-base ability, speed, and run-scoring potential allows the Dodgers to start each game on the right foot, with a player who can set the tone and ignite the offense.

Additionally, the move to have Betts lead off could have a trickle-down effect on other players in the lineup. It gives the team more opportunities to capitalize on the strengths of its middle-of-the-order hitters, as well as provides more chances for players like Freeman and Smith to drive in runs. Furthermore, it allows the Dodgers to experiment with different lineup configurations, giving them the ability to adjust depending on matchups and game situations.

The flexibility and depth of the Dodgers’ lineup, coupled with Betts’ willingness to embrace the leadoff role, could make them even more dangerous offensively in 2024. The move shows the team’s commitment to maximizing every aspect of their roster and further solidifies their position as one of the best offensive teams in baseball.