Mookie Betts is prepared to disprove everyone, When it comes to playing shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers

MLB Rumors: Mookie Betts is prepared to disprove everyone, When it comes to playing shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers

As he moves to shortstop full-time for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2025, All-Star outfielder Mookie Betts is taking up the assignment with the same tenacity that has made him one of the game's best all-around players. Betts has built his career on defying expectations.

I can't wait to show everyone how incorrect they are. "Anyone who doubts me will see," Betts recently stated, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to becoming an expert in the role.

After a patchy three-month run at shortstop in 2024, Betts is committed to getting better this offseason. His nine mistakes, eight of which were on throws, demonstrated how challenging the shift would be even though his exceptional athleticism allowed him to make plays.

But rather than back down from the challenge, Betts turned to former All-Star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki for assistance, and Tulowitzki has since grown to be one of his biggest supporters.

Tulowitzki stated, "I think he can be an elite defender at the position—which is just crazy to say."

Betts' switch to shortstop the previous season was hastily made, with little time for preparation prior to Opening Day. He has adopted a much more methodical strategy this year, honing his footwork, throws, and positioning throughout the course of the winter.

Mookie Betts is prepared to advance further as the Dodgers' shortstop.

When Dodger Stadium was closed for renovations, Betts trained with Tulowitzki in Texas, worked with Dodgers coaches in Arizona, and even took daily grounders at nearby high school fields in Los Angeles. With each session being filmed by video coordinator Petie Montero, Betts meticulously examined his method and made little adjustments as he went.

Montero clarified, "It's not like he's trying to learn things on the fly and then get ready to go play at seven o'clock." "I believe he has been given some leeway to work on things this offseason."

This dedication has already yielded benefits. Chris Woodward, the first base coach for the Dodgers, has observed a notable improvement, especially in Betts' ability to throw from various angles.

Woodward remarked that Betts' "free-flowing and athletic" style recalls him of former Dodgers All-Star Corey Seager, and that "his throw is a lot better [than last year]."

The Dodgers never lost faith in Betts' ability to excel at shortstop, even in the face of his difficulties the previous season. Andrew Friedman, president of baseball operations, stated unequivocally that Betts would be given every chance to establish himself.

Friedman stated, "He is adamant about it." His argument is that "I have no doubt that I can figure it out if I have an offseason to train for this, get my body in those positions, and learn this." We will thus offer him every opportunity to do so. He is someone I wouldn't wager against.

Early reports from Spring Training indicate that Betts' efforts are already paying off, even if the Dodgers have Tommy Edman and Miguel Rojas as backups in case he suffers.

With six Gold Gloves, an MVP award, and numerous World Series victories under his belt, Betts has accomplished almost everything in his career. However, if he can successfully transition to shortstop, it will be yet another incredible accomplishment on his Hall of Fame resume.

He is currently the center of attention, and no one should underestimate him due to his unwavering work ethic.