Lux is Ready to Rise: Dodgers Mookie Betts Announcement Create Perfect Storm for Gavin Lux’s Success
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced after the World Series that Mookie Betts would be moving back to the infield. However, at the Winter Meetings, they announced where and how it would impact others on the team.
Many believed that Betts would play second base and the Dodgers would add a shortstop. When they extended Tommy Edman that remained a possibility. However, on December 9 general manager Brandon Gomes announced that Betts is planning on playing shortstop, and Edman will mostly play center field. That means Gavin Lux will still have a role on the team at second base.
With the belief that Betts would play second base along with Edman’s extension, it was possible Lux could have been dealt in a trade. However, this announcement likely means the Dodgers will keep Lux around.
Edman signed a five-year, $74 million extension with the Dodgers this offseason. He won a Gold Glove at second base in 2021 with the St. Louis Cardinals. Lux started 117 games at second base last year and had a .251 batting average.
Betts is no stranger to playing shortstop or second base. He started the season off at shortstop. However, after his injury, he returned to right field. Over the last two seasons, Betts has spent significant time at shortstop, second base and right field. He has played 81 games at shortstop, 88 games at second base and the rest in right field.
Playing Edman in center field seems slightly puzzling considering he is a better defender than Lux and Betts in the infield. However, the failure to add a shortstop like Willy Adames likely played into the decision.
