3 Dodgers whose futures are now in question after Mookie Betts' position change

Michael Busch

Michael Busch is a polarizing prospect in most circles. There is no denying that, at the plate, his upside his huge. Over the last three seasons in the minor leagues, Busch has put up video game-esque power numbers and his hit tool has improved to the point where All-Star caliber offensive production in the big leagues isn't too farfetched if everything clicks for him.

However, he was already a big question mark defensively and Betts' move to second complicates his path to playing time. LA had him play a good amount at third base in Triple-A in 2023 (his first year playing the position), but making 13 errors in 61 games isn't exactly what you want to see at the hot corner. It didn't help matters that Busch struggled at the plate in the majors last season with a .539 OPS in 27 games.

In a vacuum, the easy solution would be to try Busch out at designated hitter to take his defensive home completely out of the equation. However, the problem with that plan is that LA is hot and heavy in their chase to sign Shohei Ohtani and Shohei would obviously take the DH spot in the lineup for the next decade if that happens.

If LA fails to land Ohtani, there is certainly a world where the offseason breaks down in such a way that giving Busch a longer look as their designated hitter could be in the cards. However, given that the Dodgers had multiple opportunities to give Busch more plate appearances last season and declined to do so, it does feel more and more like he could be viewed more as a trade piece right now especially with Mookie taking over at second.