JUST IN:3 Dodgers whose futures are in LA has  just changed after Mookie Betts move…

The Los Angeles Dodgers are one of Major League Baseball’s most storied franchises, consistently bringing in talent and competing for championships year in and year out. One of the biggest moves in recent memory came in 2020 when the Dodgers traded for Mookie Betts, one of the premier players in the league. Betts’ arrival in LA immediately shifted the team’s dynamics and solidified their place as one of the favorites for the World Series. However, Betts’ presence also had a ripple effect on the careers of several players within the organization.

As the Dodgers head into the future, several players’ roles and long-term prospects with the team have shifted dramatically because of the Mookie Betts acquisition. In this piece, we will examine three Dodgers whose futures in LA have been significantly altered in the wake of Betts’ move to Los Angeles.

1.Gavin Lux – A New Role in the Infield.

When the Dodgers acquired Mookie Betts in 2020, it wasn’t just a matter of adding one of the best outfielders in baseball. The trade also meant a reorganization of LA’s infield and outfield configurations. Gavin Lux, who had been one of the Dodgers’ top prospects for years, was expected to take on a larger role in the middle infield. The arrival of Betts, however, indirectly shifted his trajectory with the team.

Prior to Betts’ arrival, Lux was viewed as a natural fit as the Dodgers’ starting second baseman or shortstop. However, with Betts now occupying a prime outfield spot, the Dodgers were more inclined to focus on their infield depth, which meant that Lux had to compete with established names like Corey Seager, Justin Turner, and Max Muncy. Seager’s departure in 2021 to the Texas Rangers, while opening up more room for Lux at shortstop, also brought with it expectations that Lux would fully step into that role.

However, Lux’s performances have been somewhat inconsistent. While he showed flashes of brilliance, his defensive and offensive struggles raised questions about whether he could be a long-term fixture at shortstop. His performance during the 2022 season, which saw him suffer injuries and fail to live up to the hype, led many to wonder if his future in LA was in jeopardy.

With the 2023 season marking a crucial point in his career, Lux’s future in LA became even more uncertain. The emergence of players like Miguel Vargas, who can also fill in the middle infield spots, means Lux is no longer the automatic choice for shortstop. Lux’s best path forward might be a utility role, where he can contribute at various positions, depending on injuries and matchups.

Betts’ acquisition forced Lux to confront the need for versatility and development in a crowded Dodgers roster. As a result, Lux’s future with the team is tied to his ability to adapt—whether he can evolve into a reliable second baseman, shortstop, or even an outfielder. Betts’ move reshaped Lux’s immediate future, with the young player’s ability to adjust potentially determining his career trajectory in LA.

2. Chris Taylor – A Utility Role Becomes Crucial.

When Mookie Betts joined the Dodgers, the team’s outfield was immediately bolstered with one of the game’s premier talents. This directly impacted Chris Taylor, whose role had already been one of flexibility and utility. Taylor, known for his ability to play multiple positions across the diamond, was now going to be part of an outfield that included Betts, Cody Bellinger, and, later, other veterans such as A.J. Pollock.

Taylor had already established himself as a key piece for the Dodgers due to his versatility. He could play infield, outfield, and serve as a reliable bat in almost any lineup spot. However, with Betts entrenched in right field, and other outfielders like Bellinger and Pollock fighting for playing time, Taylor’s position within the Dodgers became less certain.

Despite this, Taylor’s value as a utility player allowed him to maintain his place on the roster. He became one of the team’s most important assets for a manager who values depth and adaptability. Taylor’s ability to fill in wherever needed allowed the Dodgers to navigate injuries and workload management for their other stars, and he often emerged as a postseason hero. However, the signing of additional players like Freddie Freeman, the continued presence of Betts in the outfield, and the emergence of younger talent have made Taylor’s role less defined moving forward.

In 2023, as the Dodgers continue to shuffle their roster and look for ways to keep their stars fresh, Taylor’s future in LA is likely to continue as that of a super-utility player. The acquisition of Betts and his dominance in the outfield means that Taylor will probably see fewer starts there, but he can still contribute in the infield and as a pinch hitter. The reality for Taylor is that his longevity with the Dodgers depends on his ability to adapt and be productive in a variety of roles. He may not be a starter every day, but he will be a key piece of the roster if the team values depth and flexibility in its roster construction.

3.Cody Bellinger – The Once and Future Trade Chip.

Perhaps no player’s future with the Dodgers has been more affected by Mookie Betts’ move to Los Angeles than Cody Bellinger’s. The former National League MVP, who had been one of the Dodgers’ most important and beloved stars for several years, suddenly found himself in a difficult position after Betts’ arrival.

Bellinger’s struggles at the plate in recent seasons, coupled with Betts’ addition, led to a shift in the Dodgers’ outfield dynamic. Before Betts arrived, Bellinger was the face of the team’s outfield alongside the likes of Joc Pederson. However, Betts’ acquisition not only pushed Bellinger down the depth chart but also forced him into a new role. While Betts primarily takes over right field, Bellinger was often shifted to center or left, or even into the bench, where his bat wasn’t contributing in the way it once did.

This tension between Bellinger’s past excellence and his recent struggles culminated in 2021 and 2022 when the Dodgers decided to explore trade possibilities. Bellinger was no longer an irreplaceable figure in the outfield, with Betts providing a steady, elite presence at one of the corner spots and others like Taylor capable of filling in. By 2022, the Dodgers opted not to extend Bellinger’s contract, signaling their shift away from relying on him as a franchise cornerstone.

The trade rumors surrounding Bellinger only grew, and by the time the 2023 season rolled around, his future in LA seemed like a long shot. His struggles at the plate made him a potential non-tender candidate, and while he had shown glimpses of his former MVP self in 2020, Betts’ signing essentially cemented Bellinger’s eventual departure from the organization.

When Bellinger did indeed depart the Dodgers after the 2023 season, it was clear that the arrival of Mookie Betts had been a major factor in reshaping the outfield and Bellinger’s career arc. Betts’ move had not just affected the roster in the short term but had also played a significant role in Bellinger’s eventual exit from LA.

Conclusion

Mookie Betts’ move to the Los Angeles Dodgers has been a transformative one for the team, bringing an elite talent to the fold and solidifying the Dodgers as perennial championship contenders. However, his arrival has had a profound impact on the careers of several players within the organization. Gavin Lux, Chris Taylor, and Cody Bellinger each saw their roles and futures with the Dodgers altered as a direct result of Betts’ acquisition.

Lux now finds himself battling for a more flexible role, Taylor continues to thrive as a super-utility option, and Bellinger has moved on after a decline in performance. Betts’ presence in Los Angeles has reshaped the dynamics of the team and ensured that the Dodgers remain one of the most exciting teams in baseball. However, it has also meant the shifting of careers, both for better and for worse, as players adapt to new roles or seek opportunities elsewhere. As the Dodgers look to the future, Mookie Betts will undoubtedly remain a central figure, and his move to LA will continue to influence the team for years to come.