Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts continues his transition to the Dodgers shortstop position, as the team confirms he will remain at shortstop despite recent offensive struggles. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts affirmed this decision recently, emphasizing Betts’ ongoing development and valuable defensive contributions to the team.
Manager Dave Roberts Affirms Betts’ Commitment to Shortstop
Dave Roberts told reporters that Mookie Betts is fully committed to playing shortstop and will not return to the outfield in the near future. Roberts acknowledged that while Betts is still mastering various aspects of the position, his instincts and athleticism make him a natural fit.
“His ability to get off on the ball is as good as anybody in baseball,”
Roberts said.
Betts earned six consecutive Gold Gloves as a right fielder from 2016 through 2022, but the Dodgers moved him to the infield primarily due to injuries and inconsistent play from Gavin Lux, who was traded to the Cincinnati Reds. Betts initially stepped in at second base before agreeing to take on the challenge of full-time shortstop duties.
Front Office Values Betts’ Position Flexibility
Andrew Friedman, Dodgers president of baseball operations, recently highlighted how Betts’ willingness to change positions granted the front office greater roster flexibility. This adjustment enabled the team to re-sign outfielder Teoscar Hernández and acquire Michael Conforto to enhance the outfield corps.
Defensive Improvement Evident in Key Metrics
Betts has clearly made significant defensive progress at shortstop. According to Defensive Runs Saved, he is currently three runs above average at the position. Meanwhile, Statcast’s Outs Above Average metric rates him at plus-four, an impressive improvement from the previous year when he finished four outs below average. Additionally, Betts’ fielding errors have dropped sharply, with just three errors in 52 games this season compared to nine errors in 65 games at shortstop last year.
Offensive Struggles Amid Defensive Growth
Despite defensive strides, Betts is facing challenges with his bat. His current .742 OPS would be the lowest over a full season in his career. His batting average stands at .254, and his slugging percentage is down to .405, both trending toward career lows.
Roberts is cautiously optimistic, attributing the slump mainly to mechanical issues in Betts’ swing. He noted that Betts has been diligently working on his hitting technique and expects improvement soon.
Continued Plate Discipline and Signs of Positive Outlook
Although Betts’ power numbers have declined, his plate discipline remains elite. His strikeout rate is just 9.4%, the lowest in his career, and he is maintaining a high walk rate. Advanced statistics also indicate that Betts has been somewhat unlucky at the plate.
Statcast measures Betts in the 100th percentile for sweet-spot contact, showing he is making contact with the ball as solidly as anyone in the league. His expected batting average of .272 suggests better results may be imminent.
The Strategic Importance of Betts at Shortstop for the Dodgers
For the Dodgers, sticking with Betts at shortstop appears to be a strategic move that balances current offensive limitations with strong defensive value. Betts brings excellent baseball intelligence, reliable defense in a crucial infield position, and overall stability to the lineup.
Looking ahead, with a lengthy season and a talented roster surrounding him, Betts has the potential to rebound and remind fans why he is considered one of baseball’s most valuable and versatile players.