According to reports, another major league franchise is emerging as a serious candidate to sign Yankees star Aaron Judge this offseason.
It was claimed on Monday by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com that the Dodgers “may become significant players” in the pursuit of free agent Judge. Feinsand further speculated that star outfielder Mookie Betts may be moved to second base if Los Angeles were to make the historic trade.
According to Feinsand, if the Los Angeles Dodgers decide to make a run at Judge in the coming months, they will need to clear almost $100 million in salary cap space by trading away free agents such as Trea Turner, Craig Kimbrel and Joey Gallo.
The signing has the potential to drastically alter the Dodgers’ lineup, but both players have shown their adaptability in the past. The judge started 54 games in right field this year, where he has spent the majority of his career, but the four-time All-Star also played the majority of his games in center field when the Yankees were short-handed.
Since joining the Dodgers in 2020, Betts, who was originally chosen as a second baseman in 2011, has excelled in the right field. Even though Betts started five games and appeared in two more at second base this season, the five-time Gold Glove winner openly declared in September that he would be open to switching back to the infield if the opportunity presented itself.
What a night. Such a blessing from God to share that moment with so many special people! Thank you @RogerMarisJr, the Yankees, my teammates, my family and all the Yankee fans for such an incredible day! pic.twitter.com/soiC52sOth
— Aaron Judge (@TheJudge44) October 5, 2022
Betts was quoted by Feinsand as saying, “Being able to play second base is kind of what I’ve been doing my whole life.” It’s a lot of fun for me personally to visit there again. I love doing it, but I am paid to catch fly balls.
After a 11151 season in which they won the NL West for the ninth time in 10 years, the Dodgers would be making a huge splash if they were to sign Judge. After losing to the Padres in the NL Division Series on October 15, L.A.’s season was over.
However, Judge and the 99-63 winning Yankees easily won the American League East and will face the Astros in the American League Championship Series. The win on Sunday night capped a four-game sweep for Houston against New York.
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