Monday, December 4, 2023
Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2023
Winter Meetings, Day 1: The Los Angeles Dodgers haven’t signed or traded anyone. However, Dave Roberts said Mookie Betts will be the everyday second baseman, opening a space in the outfield. If the Dodgers don’t sign Shohei Ohtani, will they want to trade for Juan Soto?
Betts loves to play second base since his natural position is shortstop. Playing on the infield saves Betts’ energy since he doesn’t have to run out to right field. Since he is one of the primary Dodger offensive player, the Dodgers need to keep him fresh.
In the 2023 season, Betts had his best offensive performance as a Dodger and was second in the National League MVP. When he scored a run, the Dodgers typically won the game. He didn’t get a hit in the NLDS against the Arizona Diamondbacks, one of the main reasons the Diamondbacks swept their divisional rivals.
Having Betts play second base blocks Miguel Vargas, the Dodger second baseman in the 2023 season until the All-Star break. Vargas struggled both offensively and defensively. The Dodgers couldn’t carry Vargas’ .195 batting average with 7 home runs. In AAA, Vargas didn’t hit well. While he could play third base and left field, his defense didn’t impress anyone. Despite believing Vargas could be an impact offensive player in the major leagues, he hasn’t proven he can succeed in the majors. The Dodgers probably will trade Vargas for starting pitching.
Without Betts in the outfield, the Dodgers need another outfielder. No one thinks Jason Heyward will be the Dodger right fielder. The Dodgers need a left fielder who can hit. Chris Taylor’s value is his versatility and not the regular left fielder.
The San Diego Padres must trade Juan Soto because the franchise is in financial trouble after their TV deal went belly up. One of their owners died. Soto is a free agent after the upcoming season, and his representative is Scott Boras.
The Padres may refuse to trade Soto to the Dodgers, but in 2014, the Dodgers obtained catcher Yasmani Grandal from the Padres for Matt Kemp. The Dodgers have many top prospects, Michael Busch, Vargas, and Gavin Stone, and the Padres need prospects.
The Dodgers could use Soto’s .275 with 35 home runs and 107 RBI. At 25, Soto is entering his prime and is projected to make $30 million in 2024. Only a few teams can absorb that kind of money, but the Dodgers can take that cash without blinking, especially if they don’t sign Ohtani. The Dodgers could use Soto’s offensive skills in their lineup.
