Dodgers: Predicting the batting order as summer camps open

Predicting the Dodgers lineup: Top of the Order

1. Mookie Betts, RF

After a rollercoaster negotiation process that saw Mookie Betts traded to the Dodgers, before he wasn’t, and then officially was, the anticipation to see the former American League MVP in Dodger blue only grew as the season was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

If MLB can figure out a way to follow the health and safety protocols in place for the season, the fear of Betts never suiting up for the Dodgers could be swept away when he stands in the batter’s box as the lead-off hitter in the bottom of the 1st inning against the Giants.

It will be an important season for the superstar outfielder to prove he is still worth a mega contract this offseason, despite the changing economic environment.

2. Max Muncy, 1B

While Max Muncy has turned into a power-hitter for the Dodgers – hitting 35 home runs in each of the past two seasons – he found himself batting in the two hole for most of the second half of last season.

A case could be made for Corey Seager in this spot, where he batted 27 times last season, but with Mookie Betts at the top of the lineup, there should be plenty of opportunities for Muncy to drive in runs with his power swing. He is also more efficient than Seager at getting on base with a .381 OBP over the past two seasons (versus .337 for Seager).

This could be a position in the lineup that changes each night. Both Muncy and Seager offer the needed left-handed balance to split up Mookie Betts and Justin Turner, who we will talk about next.

3. Justin Turner, 3B

You can pretty much write this one in pen. After splitting time between the two hole and third spot in 2018, Turner became the regular number three hitter last season, where it makes sense for him to return as a right-handed bat who can offset the left-handed swings of Muncy/Seager and Cody Bellinger.

Turner is entering the final season of his four-year, $64 million contract with the Dodgers. He turns 36-years-old in November, so he will be trying to prove he still has plenty of production left in his aging bat.

Hitting in front of the reigning National League MVP should help him receive plenty of good pitches to hit. Last season he tied a career-high with 27 home runs, while batting .290/.372/.509. While his overall hitting numbers took a slight dip, he is a perfect number three hitter ahead of Bellinger.