Imagine spending a billion dollars but still lacking infield balance. That’s what the fans are wondering after the news came out that the Los Angeles Dodgers were once again changing their infield shape. What has confused the fans isn’t that the Blue Crew are experimenting, but who they are doing it with – the former MVP Mookie Betts.

The versatility of Betts has always been a giant talking point. However, this season he was expected to remain in the second base. This would be in stark contrast to last year, where the slugger kept shuffling around the infield. But that situation has changed “for now”, at least. More importantly, that change hasn’t been met with the most positive of responses.

Los Angeles Dodgers continue their shuffling game with Mookie Betts

In 2023, Betts played in right field, second base, and the shortstop. While he excelled in all three positions, it was the second base that Betts made his own. For a player who has always been primarily an outfielder, his transition to infield was nothing short of extraordinary. But while it was expected that he’d remain a second baseman, the Dodgers skipper Dave Roberts informed that Betts will be the team’s shortstop “permanently, for now.”

It’s quite a surprising development as till now it seemed that Gavin Lux was the primary shortstop for the Dodgers. The fact that Betts was doing good in the second base also makes this switch a little jarring.

However, one could guess that the skipper realized that there was some weakness on the left infield that needed to be solved. The versatility of Betts could prove to be a giant help in that case. However, if one looks at 2023, one gets a mixed sign.

According to the Baseball Reference, Betts played 70 games as a second baseman. In those 70 games, he had an RDRS of 6. On the other hand, when Betts played 16 games as a shortstop, he had 0 RDRS. Even accounting for fewer games played, it’s a significant downgrade. So it isn’t surprising that this news has met with mixed reactions from the Dodger Nation.

Read more: Mookie Betts Makes Red Sox Feel Regret, LA Dodgers Enjoy Star Outfielder’s Outstanding Versatility 

“LMAO What?” fans react to Betts’ changed position 

Just as Dave Roberts announced the change, social media was filled with Dodgers fans sharing their opinions. While the belief in Betts’ abilities never dropped, fans wondered just why couldn’t the Blue Crew sign a full-time shortstop. “A payroll of like $10 billion, but they draw the line at paying for an actual SS,” said one X account.

Following this was a fan upset about constantly shuffling positions of Mookie Betts. “LMAO WHAT? 😭😭😭😭 First second base and now this? 💀,” said a Dodgers faithful.

However, Mookie Betts’ versatility also impressed some fans. “Can you imagine being so good that your coach moves you from RF, where you’re a top 3 player, to SS? 😮😮😮,” echoed many accounts. But the Dodgers manager Dave Roberts didn’t get the same love. In fact, he was given a huge thumbs down by social media. “Dave Robert’s will go down as one of the worst managers in history,” posted an angry Dodger.

Finally, someone noticed how the team might be overburdening Betts. “They’re asking way too much Mookie, especially when they’re paying Shohei $70M to be a full time DH at this point. Get a shortstop and don’t screw with your MVP.”

However, despite these opinions, as it stands, Mookie Betts is the SS of the Dodgers. It sure will be interesting to see how this superstar will adjust to one of the toughest positions in baseball.

Read more: Mookie Betts Reveals Burning Desire, Dodgers Star Targets “Legend” Status