TAMPA — Much has been made about Aaron Judge’s willingness to move to center field this spring, as he has in the past, to give the Yankees more flexibility in the outfield.
But this doesn’t compare to the move another former American League MVP is making in Los Angeles, with Mookie Betts becoming the Dodgers’ new starting shortstop.
“It’s remarkable,” Judge said Saturday of Betts’ decision, which came after previous starter Gavin Lux struggled at the position.
“He’s won five or six Gold Gloves in the outfield, which is great. You normally keep players that good at that position,” he said at Steinbrenner Field. Judge said before practice. “His selflessness in moving to the infield and helping his team speaks volumes about the kind of athlete and teammate he is.”
Like Judge, Betts, 31, is in the prime of his career and playing on a team with extremely high expectations.
In addition to winning AL MVP with the Red Sox in 2018, Betts also finished second in AL MVP once and won NL MVP voting twice, including last season, with the Dodgers.
Betts played primarily as a second baseman before converting to the outfield with Boston.
“I’ve watched him play infield and he’s got great skill, great hands, great movement,” Judge said. “I know he came to the Red Sox as a second baseman, but they said, ‘We have a guy named Dustin Pedroia, so you better learn a new position.’ I can’t wait to see what you do. ”
And the judge understands the scrutiny Betts will face.
“It’s always tough when your team is in a position to make the World Series and you also have a great team with two great players signed.” [Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto], but I think it’s going to help them and open up an outfield spot. That’s what makes them so diverse. ”
The Yankees are hoping for a similar result with Judge back under center, which would allow rookies Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo to fill corner outfield spots.
“That conversation [about moving to center] I started 2021 and if it helps free us up and keep guys in the lineup, I’ll play wherever they need me,” Judge said.
Judge believes that’s something he has in common with Betts.
“At the end of the day, it’s about being a ballplayer,” Judge said. “Mookie is more than just an outfielder. He’s a baseball player. He goes out there and does whatever job you ask him to do. Whether it’s in right, center, or left, he’s in the game. I’m trying to do the same thing to put us in the best position to win.”
But unlike Betts, Judge draws the line at playing shortstop if Anthony Volpe needs a break.
“I think I could play a little shorter, but I don’t have the speed, hands or quickness, so that might not be a good idea,” Judge said with a laugh.
