Report: Dodgers could pursue Judge, move Betts to infield

The Los Angeles Dodgers are no strangers to making an impact in the offseason, and they appear primed to make some noise again this winter.

The Dodgers could become serious players in the pursuit of New York Yankees outfielder and pending free agent Aaron Judge, sources told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.

Los Angeles currently has Mookie Betts manning right field, but he could shift to second base if the club were to land Judge, Feinsand adds.

Betts began his career as a second baseman and played seven games at the position for the Dodgers in 2022. He told reporters in September that he's comfortable in that role and enjoys getting opportunities to play there.

"Being able to play second base is kind of something I've been doing my whole life," Betts said. "Getting to go back there is just a lot of fun for me, personally. I really, really do enjoy it, but they pay me to catch these fly balls."

Betts, 30, has been an outfielder for the lion's share of his appearances in MLB but is open to a shift back to the infield, a source told Feinsand.

The Dodgers had the second-highest payroll in the league in 2022 but could clear nearly $100 million in commitments this offseason to make room for a run at Judge.

The slugger is expected to be this offseason's marquee free agent after he set the American League record with 62 home runs in 2022. Judge, 30, rejected the Yankees' seven-year, $213.5-million extension offer before the season and is evaluating his next steps after New York's elimination in the American League Championship Series.