Jun 1, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) talks with Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) during the first inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

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Mike Trout, Jose Altuve headline MLB’s defensive shifts in 2025

Alex Bregman, Mookie Betts and Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Changing positions in baseball is no small feat. Some players shift roles to preserve their bodies for the long haul, while others do it out of necessity for their team. The 2025 MLB season brings several notable defensive realignments, with some of the game’s biggest stars settling into unfamiliar territory. Let’s break down five of the most intriguing position changes this year.

Jose Altuve: Second base → left field

Arguably the biggest defensive shakeup this season, the Houston Astros are shifting veteran second baseman Jose Altuve to left field. The 34-year-old has been a mainstay at second base throughout his career, even winning a Gold Glove at the position in 2015. However, in recent years, his defensive metrics have taken a sharp downturn.

First look at Jose Altuve the left fielder 👀 pic.twitter.com/cF5psQcYoy
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 21, 2025

Since 2022, Altuve has posted minus-41 defensive runs saved (DRS) – the worst mark of any player at any position. As his range and reliability in the infield have declined, the Astros are opting to move him to the outfield in hopes of extending his defensive career and improving their overall team defense.

While Altuve has never started a game at any position besides second base, left field in Houston’s Minute Maid Park is one of the most forgiving in MLB, thanks to the Crawford Boxes. The short dimensions should help mask any limitations he might have in tracking fly balls. However, Altuve’s arm strength remains a concern – something that could become a problem when making deep throws to home plate or third base.

Mike Trout: Center field → right field

This is a move many saw coming. Mike Trout remains one of the most talented hitters in baseball, but injuries have plagued his career in recent years. To help preserve his health, the Los Angeles Angels are shifting him from center field to right field in an effort to reduce the wear and tear on his body.

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Trout has appeared in just 319 games over the past five seasons due to a variety of injuries. By moving him to right field, the Angels hope to lessen his defensive workload, keeping him on the field more consistently.

To help with the transition, Trout has sought guidance from Torii Hunter, a former Gold Glove-winning center fielder who made a similar late-career move to right. If this change helps Trout stay healthy, it could be a huge win for both him and the Angels. However, if injuries continue to pile up, the logical next step might be a full-time move to DH – a role Trout may not be eager to embrace just yet.

Alex Bregman: Third base → second base?

No one thought Alex Bregman will sign with the Boston Red Sox. Now, he might be switching positions as well.

While Bregman has spent nearly his entire career at third base, the Red Sox have floated the idea of moving him to second base to address a long-standing need at the position. He’s voiced that he’s open to it, and on paper, it makes some sense.

Bregman won a Gold Glove at third base in 2024.
Boston’s current third baseman, Rafael Devers, has struggled defensively for most of his career.
Devers has also been vocal about not wanting to switch positions, which complicates things.

The expectation upon Bregman’s signing was that he would slot in at second base. However, given his defensive success at third, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold. Will the Red Sox force Devers to move to DH or first base? Or will they go back on their plan and leave Bregman at third?

Mookie Betts: Part-Time shortstop → full-time shortstop

For the second straight year, Mookie Betts is making a position switch – but this time, it’s not out of necessity.

Some early Dodgers infield work, including Mookie Betts at shortstop. pic.twitter.com/CvxkdONzCA
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) February 12, 2025

After spending part of last season at shortstop due to injuries in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ infield, Betts is now expected to be the team’s full-time shortstop in 2025. The move comes after the Dodgers added Michael Conforto and re-signed Teoscar Hernández, solidifying their outfield and freeing up Mookie Betts to settle in at short.

Though Betts is one of the best right fielders of his generation, his athleticism has made the transition to shortstop fairly smooth so far. Because throwing accuracy was an occasional issue, Mookie Betts spent the offseason working on it. Given his elite defensive IQ and work ethic, there’s a good chance he thrives at the position. If anyone can successfully make this transition, it’s Mookie Betts.

Jazz Chisholm Jr.: Third base → second base

Jazz Chisholm Jr. has bounced around the field throughout his career, playing shortstop, second base, and center field before briefly shifting to third base with the Yankees last season.

Now, with Gleyber Torres gone, Chisholm is all set to return to his natural position at second base – a move that should benefit both him and the Yankees.

His brief time at third base was serviceable (+6 OAA, -2 DRS), but second base is where the Yankees can use his whole defensive acumen. With his range and quick reflexes, and another brilliant defensive shortstop in Anthony Volpe, Jazz Chisholm Jr. should provide a much-needed defensive boost at the keystone for New York after a few struggles with it last few seasons.

Defensive shifts are always a gamble, and not every position switch is guaranteed to work out. Some of these changes—like Mookie Betts at shortstop or Jazz Chisholm at second – seem like smart moves. Others, such as Jose Altuve in left field could prove to be more challenging. Either way, these players will be among the most interesting to watch in 2025 as they settle into their new defensive homes.

Alex Bregman

Jazz Chisholm Jr.

jose altuve

Mike trout

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Mohsin Baldiwala

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Mohsin Baldiwala is a Master’s student in Journalism and freelance content producer who got hooked on baseball through Seinfeld’s hapless George Costanza. The same reason why he’s a Yankees fan. He writes about sports because he believes it can offer a brief escape from the world’s chaos. Even if that means enduring the heartbreak of the 2024 World Series.