Before Aaron Judge decided to re-sign with the Yankees in December, Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts apparently was willing to make a personal sacrifice to bring the reigning American League MVP to Los Angeles.
While speaking with Sports Illustrated’s Tom Verducci recently, Betts confirmed the rumor about him proposing to move from right field to second base to make way for Judge.
“Yes, that sounds probably like something I said,” Betts told Verducci. “But hey, that was going to be a tough get.”
Betts also admitted he never made an official “recruiting pitch” to bring Judge to the Dodgers.
“No, I don’t do that,” Betts said. “I want guys to do whatever’s best for them and their families.”
It wouldn’t have been too difficult for Betts to make the adjustment, as he was drafted as a second baseman by the Red Sox in 2011.
But, since Judge remains in New York, Betts likely will remain in right field for the 2023 season. However, the six-time All-Star has played second base a few times thus far during spring training.
Betts and Judge currently rank second and third, respectively, in regard to the richest MLB contracts. The 30-year-old Dodger is under contract with the team until 2032 on a $365 million contract, while Judge is contracted to the Yankees through 2031 on a $360 million contract.
