With Mookie Betts eyeing shortstop and trade rumors swirling, the Dodgers face a growing dilemma in their outfield.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, one of the most successful franchises in Major League Baseball (MLB), are no strangers to navigating complex roster decisions, high-stakes trade talks, and the balancing act of maintaining both short- and long-term competitiveness. However, as the 2025 season unfolds, the Dodgers find themselves facing a significant dilemma involving their outfield and a potential shift in positional roles for one of their star players, Mookie Betts. With Betts eyeing a potential move to shortstop, and trade rumors gaining momentum, the Dodgers’ decision-making process is under more scrutiny than ever.

The outfield dilemma has been brewing since Betts, one of the best all-around players in the game, expressed his interest in playing shortstop, a position he has not regularly manned since his early days in the minor leagues. While the Dodgers’ outfield has historically been one of the team’s strengths, this potential positional change could alter the dynamic in a number of ways. Adding to the uncertainty are ongoing trade speculations, with various teams reportedly interested in bolstering their outfield depth. The combination of Betts’ desire to play shortstop and the trade talks surrounding the Dodgers’ outfield has created an intriguing narrative for fans and analysts alike.

Mookie Betts: From Right Field to Shortstop?

Mookie Betts has been the face of the Dodgers’ offense since he arrived in Los Angeles ahead of the 2020 season. Known for his combination of power, contact hitting, speed, and defensive ability, Betts has solidified himself as one of the top players in baseball, contributing both offensively and defensively. For much of his career, Betts has been a mainstay in right field, but now the question arises: could he return to his roots and play shortstop?

Betts has expressed interest in playing shortstop during the 2025 season. While he has primarily been an outfielder for the majority of his career, Betts played shortstop in his youth and early minor league days, showcasing his versatility. However, over the years, the position has been largely filled by other players, most notably Corey Seager, who was a staple at shortstop for the Dodgers until his departure in free agency. Betts’ desire to return to shortstop is driven by a combination of factors, including the opportunity to challenge himself in a new way and contribute even more to the team’s success.

Betts’ move to shortstop would represent a significant change for both him and the Dodgers. While he is undoubtedly a talented and versatile player, shortstop is one of the most demanding positions on the field. It requires exceptional range, quick reflexes, and strong decision-making—traits that Betts certainly possesses. However, there are numerous variables that could impact his transition back to the infield, particularly given the existing makeup of the Dodgers’ roster.

The Dodgers’ Outfield: A Strength in Question

The Dodgers have long been known for their deep and versatile roster, particularly in the outfield. With Betts, along with stars like Cody Bellinger and Chris Taylor, the team has had a dynamic outfield that has contributed heavily to their success. However, with Betts eyeing a move to shortstop, the outfield composition becomes a critical issue.

Currently, the Dodgers’ outfield consists of a mix of established players and prospects, but the situation is not without its concerns. Betts’ potential shift to shortstop would leave a hole in right field, a position that he has excelled in over the years. While the Dodgers have talented outfielders like James Outman and Trace Thompson, the depth and overall production from these players remain a question mark.

Outman, who had flashes of brilliance during the 2024 season, has yet to establish himself as an everyday contributor at the major league level. Thompson, on the other hand, has been a reliable platoon option but lacks the consistency needed to become a full-time starter. The Dodgers’ outfield depth is also supported by some promising young players, including Miguel Vargas, who is capable of providing a spark but has yet to prove himself over a full season.

Given the uncertainty surrounding the outfield, the Dodgers may look to explore the trade market to address these issues, particularly if they move forward with Betts at shortstop. The question becomes whether the Dodgers can fill the right-field void internally or if they will need to look for external help through trade or free agency.

Trade Rumors and Outfield Speculation

The prospect of a trade is always a part of the equation for a team like the Dodgers, who are in constant pursuit of championship-level talent. With Mookie Betts potentially shifting to shortstop, the need to reinforce the outfield becomes more pressing. This has led to speculation that the Dodgers could explore trade options to either acquire an established outfielder or to bolster their depth in other areas.

Trade rumors involving the Dodgers are never far from the headlines, particularly with a team that has the financial flexibility and player assets to make bold moves. The team’s farm system is loaded with promising young players, making it possible for the Dodgers to package a few of them in a trade for a star outfielder or even a starting pitcher, depending on what the team deems to be their greatest need.

The most likely candidates to be involved in a trade could be players like Vargas, who has been solid but is still finding his place within the team’s long-term plans. While Vargas is a talented player, his position flexibility and potential to be a key trade asset could make him expendable if the right deal comes along. Additionally, players like Outman and Thompson could also be involved in trade talks, particularly if the Dodgers feel they need to upgrade their outfield depth significantly.

It’s also worth noting that the trade market could be influenced by the Dodgers’ decision to keep Betts at shortstop. Should the team opt for this move, their focus may shift toward finding a right fielder with a bat that can match or complement Betts’ offensive production. The Dodgers could look to acquire an established power hitter or a contact hitter who can contribute to the lineup.

In any case, the trade speculation surrounding the Dodgers’ outfield will only intensify as the 2025 season progresses, with a focus on who the team might target and which players they may be willing to part with in order to make a deal happen.

The Shortstop Position: A Critical Decision for the Dodgers

While the outfield situation is complicated, the Dodgers’ decision on who will play shortstop is just as critical. If Betts is indeed moved to shortstop, it would open up a series of additional questions for the team. Who would then occupy right field, and how would the Dodgers manage the infield rotation?

At shortstop, Betts would be stepping into big shoes. After the departure of Corey Seager to the Texas Rangers in 2022, the Dodgers have tried a few different combinations at shortstop, but none have been as stable as Seager was. Gavin Lux, who was expected to take over the position, has struggled to live up to the hype, and the team has experimented with various options, including Hanser Alberto and Chris Taylor. The Dodgers have the luxury of having multiple versatile infielders on the roster, but the question remains whether Betts is the right long-term solution.

It’s also worth considering that Betts’ presence at shortstop could have long-term ramifications on the Dodgers’ team chemistry and defensive alignment. With his elite defensive abilities, there’s no question that Betts could excel at the position, but the Dodgers would need to ensure that his bat—and his leadership in the field—continue to complement the rest of the infield and outfield.

Another aspect of this decision is the fact that the Dodgers have a wealth of talent at other positions, which could allow them to experiment with different infield combinations, depending on how the situation develops. Players like Lux, Taylor, and even Max Muncy, who has the ability to play multiple positions, could provide the Dodgers with some flexibility in crafting their infield.

The Bigger Picture: World Series Aspirations

No matter the decisions the Dodgers make regarding their outfield and shortstop positions, the bigger picture remains unchanged: they are a team focused on winning a World Series. The Dodgers have been among the most consistent teams in recent years, regularly making deep playoff runs, and their championship aspirations for 2025 remain high. However, with key questions surrounding both the outfield and infield, the front office must make the right moves to ensure the team is positioned for success in the postseason.

As trade rumors swirl, and Betts’ move to shortstop becomes a growing possibility, one thing is clear: the Dodgers’ front office is not afraid to make bold moves. With the flexibility in their roster, the depth in their farm system, and a commitment to building a championship contender, the Dodgers are in a strong position to address their current dilemmas—whether through internal adjustments or external acquisitions.

In the coming weeks and months, as the trade deadline approaches and Betts continues to make his case for shortstop, all eyes will be on Los Angeles to see how the Dodgers navigate this pivotal moment in their quest for another World Series title. One thing is for certain: whatever decision they make, it will be calculated, well-thought-out, and aligned with their ultimate goal—winning it all.