The Los Angeles Dodgers announced early in the offseason their intention to use Mookie Betts as their primary shortstop. It kept the team out of the shortstop market in free agency as they attempt to give the idea some fresh legs going into the 2025 season.
Not to be forgotten, Betts was thrust into the shortstop position after former Dodgers infielder Gavin Lux experienced throwing woes in Spring Training that greatly alarmed the front office. That caused a flip of Lux and Betts, who was originally slated as the primary second baseman.
Learning on the fly, Betts experienced understandable hurdles. But with a full offseason of work at the position, he’s feeling well-equipped with a better approach.
“Yeah. Getting the work definitely helps and getting to go mess up and whatnot,” Betts said. “That definitely helps. We’ll see how it goes.”
Betts is a six-time Gold Glove Award winner for his play in right field, and going into his 12th year in Major League Baseball, he remains one of the game’s most athletic players.
Several factors go into facing new challenges this deep into a career, but his drive to better himself continues to be a glaring positive about his play.
The Dodgers opting to go with Betts at shortstop isn’t a move because they have to make it, despite the belief that Betts the 32-year-old was asking to play the position.
“I don’t think that’s necessarily a thing,” Betts said. “It’s just me talking with the guys and seeing what’s best. I feel like an asset of mine is being able to play anywhere that the team needs, and this was something that we needed. I’m here to step in. It doesn’t matter what position.”
Betts experienced woes with standard shortstop things, including some positioning issues, but mainly, it was his throwing errors that plagued him the most. In 531.1 defensive innings, he had eight throwing errors, the highest rate among innings played at the position.
His offseason began early, and he was seen working on his defensive work at shortstop shortly after the World Series. Heading into next year, Betts feels ready to hit the ground running when Opening Day rolls around.
“Just everything,” Betts said. “The whole thing. I feel like I’m a completely new person over there, but we’ll see.”
Outlook for Mookie Betts
Betts’ offensive profile is as consistent as they come in MLB with his combination of plate discipline, power and bat-to-ball skills. The Dodgers lean on his steadiness at the top of the lineup and after Shohei Ohtani, he is a tone setter.
The Dodgers don’t need him to be anything more than he has been. Since coming to the team, his home run numbers have vaulted into career-high territories.
Defensively, he just needs to be a steady hand at shortstop and the Dodgers as a unit will feel a boost in their overall performance. With Hyeseong Kim as the projected second baseman, they should have a fine duo up the middle.
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