The Los Angeles Dodgers are orchestrating a seismic shift in their defensive alignment for the 2025 season, with superstar Mookie Betts returning to the infield, a move that has prompted a bold, championship-level prediction from infield coach Dino Ebel. In an exclusive and wide-ranging interview, Ebel declared that if Betts plays a full 162-game season at second base, he will win a Gold Glove award, a statement that underscores the organization’s confidence in the former MVP’s defensive versatility. The announcement comes as the Dodgers navigate a complex offseason landscape, with unresolved questions at shortstop and the potential for additional roster moves that could reshape the entire middle infield.
Ebel, speaking from his offseason travels that included stops in Phoenix, Mexico, and Japan, emphasized that the decision to move Betts back to the infield is final and that the coaching staff is preparing for multiple scenarios. “The season’s over, they announced that Mookie’s moving back into the infield,” Ebel said, confirming the strategic pivot. He stressed that Betts’ previous experience at shortstop last season, where he was thrust into the role on short notice during spring training, was a learning process that will now inform a more structured approach. The coach’s confidence in Betts at second base is unwavering, rooted in the player’s exceptional athleticism and work ethic.
The defensive calculus for the Dodgers is far from simple, as Ebel outlined a fluid situation that could see multiple players rotating through key positions. With Betts likely anchoring second base, the team has options at shortstop, including Tommy Edman, Miguel Rojas, and potentially Gavin Lux, though Lux’s progress remains a point of focus. “We got Tommy Edman, we got Rojas, he’s back with us again, and I don’t know what Andrew is going to do,” Ebel said, referring to general manager Andrew Friedman. The coach acknowledged that the front office may still add another name to the roster, but as of now, the team is preparing with its current core.
Ebel’s analysis of Betts’ defensive journey is particularly revealing, highlighting a critical area of growth that could define his success in the infield. “I think if you asked Mookie this, the biggest thing was him, it wasn’t him catching the ball, it was him throwing,” Ebel explained, noting that Betts struggled with the longer throws required at shortstop compared to second base. The coach detailed how Betts had to learn new arm angles for plays in the six-hole and up the middle, a challenge that intensified when he was asked to switch between positions. Remarkably, Ebel noted that Betts’ throwing mechanics improved significantly when he returned to right field, where he could settle into a routine.
The coach’s prediction for Betts at second base is unequivocal and delivered with the authority of someone who has seen the player’s daily work. “I’m telling you, if this guy plays 162 games and he plays second base, he’ll be Gold Glove. I will make that prediction, that’s how good he is,” Ebel said, adding that Betts’ ability to turn double plays and handle the angles at second base is already elite. This confidence is backed by Betts’ history as a six-time Gold Glove winner in the outfield, a testament to his defensive instincts and adaptability. For Ebel, the move to second base is not a gamble but a calculated return to a position where Betts can excel.
The shortstop situation remains the most volatile element of the Dodgers’ offseason planning, with Ebel acknowledging the lack of a clear-cut solution. “As of right now, to me and to a lot of people, there isn’t a clear-cut solution at shortstop,” he said, leaving the door open for a potential acquisition. The coach mentioned that the team could platoon Edman and Rojas at shortstop while keeping Edman in center field, a scenario that would maximize defensive flexibility. Chris Taylor also remains in the mix, providing depth across multiple positions. Ebel made it clear that the coaching staff will wait for the front office to finalize the roster before committing to a specific alignment.
Gavin Lux’s development is another critical thread in the Dodgers’ infield tapestry, as the young infielder was once projected to take on a significant role at shortstop. Ebel’s comments suggest that Lux’s progress is being closely monitored, though the coach did not provide specific updates on his readiness. The uncertainty around Lux’s performance, particularly when his “head is working right,” as Ebel phrased it, adds another layer of complexity to the team’s planning. The Dodgers are banking on their depth to absorb any inconsistencies, but the pressure is on Lux to prove he can handle the demands of a starting role.
Beyond Betts, Ebel also addressed the future of outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, a player he is eager to see return to the Dodgers’ roster. “Let’s get Teoscar Hernandez back on the field and back on that roster, that is a guy that I am clamoring for again,” Ebel said, praising Hernandez’s character and team-first mentality. The coach highlighted Hernandez’s desire to win, which was fulfilled with the Dodgers’ championship run, and outlined specific areas for improvement in his outfield play. Ebel noted that Hernandez can enhance his arm strength through better footwork, a project he is excited to undertake if the organization re-signs him.
The comparison between Hernandez and elite outfielders like Mike Trout and Kevin Kiermaier was a standout moment in Ebel’s interview, as he shared a story from his time with the Angels. “I remember back in my Angel days when Trout told me, ‘How you going to make me better?’ and I showed them a red dot and a blue dot,” Ebel recalled, explaining how he used visual aids to improve Trout’s first three steps on fly balls. This same meticulous approach would be applied to Hernandez, focusing on his jumps and route efficiency. Ebel’s confidence in Hernandez’s bat is absolute, but he sees untapped potential in the outfielder’s defensive game.
The broader implications of Betts’ infield move extend to the entire defensive philosophy of the Dodgers, a team that prides itself on versatility and adaptability. Ebel emphasized that defense wins championships, a mantra that will guide the team’s approach in 2025. “You mentioned the defense, defense wins championships, and we might have a little bit of a similar looking defensive situation on the infield but also a little bit different,” he said, alluding to the team’s previous success with a flexible infield. The coach’s comments suggest that the Dodgers are willing to experiment with alignments, using Betts as a linchpin while filling gaps with platoon options.
The timeline for these decisions remains fluid, with Ebel indicating that the coaching staff will not receive a finalized plan until a meeting with manager Dave Roberts and the front office. “We have a meeting with the Doc and the staff, and they’re going to present it to us,” he said, emphasizing that the coaches will adapt to whatever roster the organization provides. This patient approach reflects the Dodgers’ trust in their front office, led by Andrew Friedman and Brandon Gomes, to make the right moves. For now, Ebel and his staff are preparing for all possibilities, from Betts at second base to a full-time shortstop acquisition.
Ebel’s detailed breakdown of Betts’ throwing mechanics offers a rare glimpse into the technical adjustments required for a position change. He explained that second base was relatively easy for Betts because of the shorter throws and familiar double-play angles, but shortstop demanded a complete recalibration. “Once he started to establish those throwing angles, it was going to click for him,” Ebel said, noting that Betts’ routine of taking ground balls every day, even when playing outfield, helped maintain his arm strength. The coach’s insight underscores the physical and mental demands of switching positions at the highest level of baseball.
The prediction of a Gold Glove for Betts at second base is not just a statement of confidence but a challenge to the player to meet his own lofty standards. Ebel’s words carry weight given his reputation as a meticulous coach who has worked with some of the game’s best defenders. The coach’s history with the Angels and Dodgers gives him a unique perspective on what it takes to achieve defensive excellence. For Betts, who has already won Gold Gloves in right field, the move to second base represents an opportunity to cement his legacy as one of the most versatile defenders in baseball history.
The Dodgers’ offseason is far from over, and Ebel’s comments serve as a reminder that the team is still evaluating its options. The potential addition of another infielder could alter the current plans, but the core of the team is already in place. Betts’ return to the infield is the headline, but the supporting cast of Edman, Rojas, Lux, and Taylor will play crucial roles in determining the team’s defensive success. Ebel’s focus on improvement, from Betts’ arm angles to Hernandez’s footwork, signals a coaching staff that is already deep in preparation for the 2025 season.
The urgency of Ebel’s tone reflects the high stakes of the upcoming season, with the Dodgers aiming to defend their World Series title. The coach’s willingness to make a public prediction about Betts’ Gold Glove potential is a calculated move to build confidence within the organization and among fans. It also puts pressure on Betts to deliver, but given his track record, that pressure is likely to be a motivator. The Dodgers are betting on Betts’ ability to adapt, and Ebel’s insights suggest that the foundation for success is already in place.
As the offseason progresses, the baseball world will watch closely to see how the Dodgers’ infield takes shape. Ebel’s interview provides a roadmap for what to expect, with Betts at the center of a defensive renaissance. The coach’s passion for his players is evident, and his detailed analysis of their skills offers a compelling narrative for the 2025 season. For now, the Dodgers are in a waiting game, but Ebel’s confidence in Betts is a powerful signal that the team is ready to compete at the highest level.
