Some players in MLB chase stats. Some chase those championship rings. But not Mookie Betts! He is chasing all those things and something even riskier—an impossible challenge. But what is left for the legend? After all, on paper, Mookie Betts has done it all to secure his place in Cooperstown. He is an MVP, a batting champ, and a three-time World Series winner. How many players can say that? However, despite being one of baseball’s elite members, he is not satisfied.
The story begins last season, when he shifted into the role of shortstop after Gavin Lux was injured. And he rose up to that challenge, and how! In 126 games at shortstop, Betts delivered a fielding percentage of .952. Now, having found a taste for blood, Bett’s has decided that his next adventure is transitioning to full-time shortstop for this season. For Betts, this transition isn’t about proving the critics or haters wrong; it’s about proving himself right.
Right field monster to shortstop glory: the ride for Mookie Betts
For years, Mookie Betts has been one of the best outfielders in the game. His arm strength, range, and instincts are just spot on. But him as a shortstop.. well, that’s had its challenges in the past. It’s interesting to note that he was first drafted by the Boston Red Sox as a shortstop. But then he was very quickly moved to second base before settling right at home on the right field. And boy did he thrive there!
Shortstop is no bread-and-butter role; it’s one of the sport’s most physically demanding positions. Betts hasn’t played that role consistently since his days in the minor leagues. In contrast to his outfield defense, which has earned him six Gold Gloves, his infield is a work in progress. So critics have doubted whether this is a smart decision for Mookie Betts. And while he’s working the elbow grease, the question lingers: is Betts making a well-thought-out decision or doing something unnecessary?
Now last season Mookie Betts flashed everyone some memorable moments of brilliance. But he also posted below-average defensive numbers at times. Betts had a 1 defensive run, saved at second base. And only a slight positive impact at shortstop with +3 DRS. So, there is room for improvement, right? Compare this to the outfield, where he posted +30 DRS in one season. But this is where Troy Tulowitzki comes in.
“I saw a play that he made… I felt like he would have approached it differently last year.”
Troy Tulowitzki is already seeing improvements from Mookie Betts at shortstop after working with him this offseason.@troy2lo | @Dodgers | #Dodgers
https://t.co/fGPbvbj8w4 pic.twitter.com/yD6Y2MN7at
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) February 24, 2025
The former Rockies star is known to be one of the best shortstops of this time. And he has been mentoring Betts and is blown away by the way Betts is improving in leaps and bounds. “I saw a play that he made… I felt like he would have approached it differently last year,” admitted Troy Tulowitzki on Sirius XM, highlighting that he sees the changes that begun to show up.
And not just that; Tulowitzki also told Sports Illustrated, “I wouldn’t say this for anybody else that’s just spent however many years in the outfield and then go to the infield. But I can truly tell you, I think he can be an elite defender at the position—which is just crazy to say. I couldn’t believe the strides that he made.”
Betts’s ability to just give in and absorb instruction quickly is what sets him a cut above the rest. Tulowitzki mentioned that the adjustments that take the players weeks to master take Betts just a day or two. He even mentioned, “He’s special.” Now that’s high praise, and coming from a master shortstop, this is huge.
Is Betts risking his legacy?
However, not everyone is in on this idea. San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado is simply baffled by this decision by Betts, saying, “I don’t know why he’d want to do that. I don’t know, man, it’s crazy what he’s trying to do. He’s a Gold Glover. He’s such a good outfielder. Why go play such a demanding position? It takes so much of a toll on your body.” Machado has a fair point. But Betts doesn’t see it as a tough way in; he sees it as pure opportunity.
Betts acknowledges that his early years in baseball were riddled with doubt – more self-doubt, than anything else. He admitted, “So many years, I just didn’t believe in myself. This is not like a vengeance tour. It’s about proving a lot of people wrong. But more than anything, it’s about proving myself right.”
This self-belief – wrought painstakingly over the years – is fuel for his discipline. He has spent months prepping for this role. And while others were resting or taking a break from the rigors of the game, he away at arm angles and defensive positioning with Chris Woodward, the coach. To prepare himself, he even sought advice from other shortstops like Miguel Rojas, his teammate. And from within the fraternity, the verdicts have started pouring un. Dave Roberts said in awe, “Let’s put it this way, I don’t know of anything he can’t do.”
The risks and what lies after it
Now that the Los Angeles Dodgers star has practiced and practiced, maybe he will settle in and excel in this role too. But there is another important thing to consider—the wear and tear on his body. Rapid throws, lateral shifts, and diving plays are the reality of a shortstop’s day on the field. That’s different from the right field, where Mookie Betts could employ pure instinct and athleticism to counter the physical toll. In short, there is a good chance that this shift might shorten his prime days in the league.
Jun 14, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) is congratulated by right fielder Teoscar Hernandez (47) after scoring in the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Even if Betts excels in defense, how will this affect his offense? He posted a career high of .987 OPS last season with 39 home runs while playing multiple infield positions. But can Mookie Betts keep up the number when he is spending so much energy on defense? On the flip side, if he does manage to pull it off, he will join an exclusive club of players who have played at least 100 games in both the right field and as shortstop.
According to ESPN, only 21 players have done this since the 1990s—so it’ll be a huge historic deal. Whether this gamble pays off or becomes a tale of caution is yet to be seen. As far as Betts is concerned, he says, “Hell yeah. I believe that I’m only going to get better and better. I believe in myself.”
Audacious as this gamble is, if there’s someone who can deliver on the promise, its the 32-year old veteran with the Dodgers. As third baseman Max Muncy said, “Mookie’s different.” What do you think? Will Bett’s add another feather to his cap? Or will he fall short as the shortstop?
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