Dodgers 2025 spring training position preview: infielders

Dodgers pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report for spring training on Feb. 10. As we count down the days until camp begins, we are going through the various position groups to give a breakdown of where the roster stands. Today, we look at the infielders. Previously, the outfielders and catchers.

2024 RECAP

The Dodgers went to spring training a year ago committed to a plan to make Gavin Lux their everyday shortstop. That commitment didn’t last long. Lux’s defensive shortcomings were so obvious, the Dodgers pivoted to Mookie Betts who had not played shortstop on a regular basis since high school. The Dodgers already planned to make their best outfielder an everyday infielder (second base) but wound up asking him to learn how to be a major-league shortstop on the job. Betts’ defense at the position was predictably below average and he moved back to the outfield after returning from a midseason hand injury. Lux, meanwhile, was solid defensively at second base but struggled mightily in his return after missing the 2023 season with a knee injury. He finally found his swing in mid-July and hit .304 with an .899 OPS after the All-Star break. Meanwhile, Max Muncy missed three months with a misdiagnosed rib injury and the parade of replacements at third base (Cavan Biggio, Kiké Hernandez, Miguel Rojas and Chris Taylor) dragged down the offense. At first base, Freddie Freeman had a difficult season, missing time to a finger injury, an ankle injury and his son’s illness but capped it by winning the World Series MVP award. His .282 batting average and .854 OPS were still good but represented the 35-year-old’s lowest marks since 2015.

HOW IT LOOKS RIGHT NOW

The Dodgers are going to try to run it back. Despite being a six-time Gold Glove winner in right field – and despite the availability of better, more experienced defensive infielders in Miguel Rojas and Tommy Edman – Betts is expected to open the season as the everyday shortstop. Lux was traded to the Cincinnati Reds to make room for Hyeseong Kim at second base. A perennial All-Star and .300 hitter in South Korea, Kim was signed to a three-year, $12.5 million contract. Muncy and Freeman return at the corners.

THE NEXT LAYER

Rojas provides a reliable defensive alternative on the infield. Edman is expected to spend the bulk of his time in center field, but his versatility could also be tapped into if there are injuries on the infield or a change of direction becomes necessary. Chris Taylor also returns in a utility role.

MOVES THEY COULD MAKE

The trade of Lux to the Reds cleared up a bit of a logjam on the infield created by Kim’s signing.