"Yankees' weakness was lazy defense" - Miguel Rojas claims Dodgers were 'fundamentally better' in 2024 World Series
The Los Angeles Dodgers were on the precipice of defeat in Game 5 of the World Series after the New York Yankees had jumped to an early 5-0 lead. However, after a comedy of errors due to lackadaisical defense, the Yankees surrendered the lead and eventually, the World Series trophy.
Several personalities have chimed in on the Yankees' disasterclass. From analysts like Alex Rodriguez, MLB insiders like Jeff Passan, and more recently, players like Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas have sounded off on what transpired during this year's Fall Classic.
Miguel Rojas on how the Dodgers viewed the Yankees going into the World Series (via Chris Rose Sports and Talkin' Baseball:
“Their weakness was the way that they make outs on the bases, the way that they didn’t take care of the baseball… lazy defense”"
In an interview with sports personality Chris Rose on his podcast, Rojas revealed that the NLDS matchup with the San Diego Padres prepared them for the New York Yankees.
Rojas shared on the podcast that he believed that they were fundamentally better than the Yankees, who are a victim of their own wrong doing. The shortstop said that unlike the Padres who are aggresive on their plays, the Yankees are much more relaxed in their approach.
The Dodger infielder attributed their win to the Yankees' lazy defense and uninspired baserunning, which put less pressure on them.
Dodgers star Mookie Betts likely to move back to infield in 2025
In a statement by Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes, the team's leadership is expected to move star Mookie Betts back to the infield for 2025.
"The Dodgers plan to have Mookie Betts play the infield during the 2025 season, per general manager Brandon Gomes." - @ MLB
Betts played the first 72 games of the past season as the shortstop before splitting his time between right field and second base. Known as one of the best defensive players of this generation, the star utility man has won six Gold Gloves in the outfield.
Despite personnel shortages that forced Betts to move back to the second half of 2024 in right field, the team is spoiled with choices, now that they have Tommy Edman to team up with Gavin Lux and Chris Taylor for utility purposes.