DALLAS -- When Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes announced in early November that Mookie Betts would move back to the middle infield in 2025, the team was still mulling over whether he would play second base or shortstop -- a decision that was likely contingent on any moves Los Angeles was considering to upgrade the infield.

By the time the Winter Meetings began on Monday, Gomes had an answer: Betts is preparing to be the Dodgers' starting shortstop going forward.

"He's ready for the challenge," Gomes said. "He feels like, with a full offseason, he can go and tackle that. Like we've said before, he's one of the guys that I certainly wouldn't bet against."

It's familiar territory for the six-time Gold Glove Award winner in right field: Betts began Spring Training in 2024 expecting to move to second base. But following Gavin Lux's defensive struggles to start the spring, Betts instead shifted over and became Los Angeles' everyday shortstop entering the regular season.

Betts remained at shortstop until he fractured his left hand on June 16. When he returned nearly two months later, Betts was initially expected to resume his shortstop duties, but manager Dave Roberts reversed course and instead moved him back to right field.

Miguel Rojas handled the majority of the shortstop reps down the stretch before Trade Deadline acquisition and National League Championship Series MVP Tommy Edman took over the starting job for much of the postseason.

The Dodgers value versatility in their bench bats, but they typically don't expect the same of their superstars. They're not planning on moving Betts around, meaning that Edman will see most of his playing time in center field.

"Right now, as the roster is kind of where it's at, [it] continues to give us a lot of flexibility," Roberts said. "It's an easy bet to bet on him with the full offseason. ¡­ Obviously, there's some things that can change, but all the confidence in Mookie."

Last season, Betts gained momentum at shortstop as the games went on, looking more natural at the position over time until the injury halted his progress. It didn't come easily, though, as Betts made nine errors in 531 1/3 innings at shortstop, having particular trouble with throwing.

Betts has a strong, accurate arm; it's a big part of why he's a decorated right fielder. But because he spent so many years playing the outfield, he's now more accustomed to throwing at different distances and angles.

"Those things that are most challenging to teach -- getting off the ball, range, making exceptional plays, his pre-pitch timing: He nailed those," Gomes said. "It's really synching up his throw from that, because he's been so used to the outfield throw. I think that'll be the majority of his work, making sure ... how does he access what is an elite arm, and have that translate to the infield."

The Dodgers are confident that with a full offseason and Spring Training to hone his craft at shortstop, Betts will be able to play the position at a high level. And knowing the Los Angeles superstar, he won't just settle for passable: He wants to be elite.

Above all, Betts wants to win, and he will do what makes the most sense for his team. In this scenario, the Dodgers get his MVP-caliber bat in the infield mix while freeing themselves up to potentially add an impact bat in the corner outfield, even after agreeing to a one-year deal with Michael Conforto.

"We had conversations [when Betts moved back to right field in 2024], just like, 'Hey, this is not dead forever. Let's go win a World Series, and then we'll have the conversation,'" Gomes said. "Mook, as we saw early last year, all he cares about is winning. [He's] as selfless of a superstar as I've ever seen in my life."