Mookie Betts, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ standout player, has continued to struggle offensively throughout the 2025 season, raising alarm among fans and analysts as the team approaches the trade deadline. Despite early hopes, Betts’ ongoing slump and overall declining performance have deepened concerns about the team’s postseason prospects.
Betts’ difficulties began after a severe stomach illness that caused significant weight loss and disrupted his early season momentum. Following a brief resurgence highlighted by a walk-off home run that reignited hope, Betts has now entered a prolonged slump, hitting just .162 over a recent 10-game stretch. His current season statistics—.256 batting average, .335 on-base percentage, and .392 slugging percentage—are all career lows if the season ended today. With only six home runs in the past 73 games, and noticeable drops in bat speed, questions are mounting about whether age is starting to weigh on the star outfielder, who has shifted to a full-time shortstop role this season.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has publicly reaffirmed Betts’ role as the No. 2 hitter in the lineup, but the growing impatience within the fanbase and organization underscores the urgency for improved offensive output. Betts himself rejects the notion that his defensive responsibilities have impacted his batting.
“Last year, I think I was about to win MVP,”
Betts told reporters.
“I was doing way more work last year than now. So, no, that’s not the case. … There’s no excuse. It’s just a matter of me getting it done”
, he added.—Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman
While Betts’ confidence remains intact, his production at the plate has yet to reflect this mindset. At 32 and settling into a demanding defensive position, Betts’ elite defensive contributions still shine, but his declining offensive output leaves many wondering if the season will mark a significant downturn in his storied career. Without a quick turnaround, what initially promised to be another MVP-worthy campaign could instead become one of Betts’ least memorable seasons.
Mounting Pressure on Dodgers’ Roster as Trade Deadline Nears
The Dodgers face mounting challenges beyond Betts’ slump as they confront broader roster weaknesses, particularly in left field. Michael Conforto, a regular starter, has struggled with a batting average below .200 since mid-April, leaving the Dodgers with little reliable offensive firepower in that position. Manager Dave Roberts has yet to make roster changes but admits the team’s upcoming decisions will hinge on performances in the next few weeks. With the trade deadline fast approaching, patience is wearing thin, and swift action could be imminent.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ bullpen has suffered extensive use, the most innings pitched in Major League Baseball, leading to burnout among key relievers. With frontline pitchers like Phillips done for the season and right-handed arms Blake Treinen and Brusdar Graterol sidelined until after the All-Star break, the Dodgers may be forced to seek cost-effective alternatives. Their current reliance on veteran reliever Kirby Yates illustrates an urgent need for fresh arms to maintain pitching effectiveness through the final stretch.
The rotation, initially a position of depth during spring training, has deteriorated rapidly due to injuries to Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Tony Gonsolin. This forced a constant shuffle between the majors and Triple-A, destabilizing the pitching staff. Though Sheehan is nearing a return and Clayton Kershaw continues to pitch with vintage skill, concerns about durability loom large. Many insiders suggest that acquiring another starting pitcher is a top priority to bolster the rotation. Improving pitching depth is seen as essential not only to support Betts but also to elevate the team’s overall chances in the playoffs.
The Dodgers at a Critical Juncture: Balancing Player Performance and Team Reinforcement
The difficulties Mookie Betts faces at the plate are emblematic of wider issues troubling the Dodgers as they navigate a pivotal period in their season. The team’s offensive struggles, particularly in left field, combined with an overworked and injury-depleted pitching roster, have created an environment of uncertainty. The trade deadline could bring crucial reinforcements, but also tough decisions.
Betts’ ability to recapture his form remains central to the Dodgers’ championship hopes. Yet, the front office, led by team president Andrew Friedman, must weigh whether additional roster moves can compensate for current gaps or provide the spark needed for a deep postseason run. With time running out, the pressure intensifies on both the player and the organization to deliver results.
As frustrations grow and questions pile up, the Dodgers face a moment of reckoning: will Betts reverse his slump and become the offensive force once more, or will the team need to turn to trades and strategic roster changes to keep their championship dreams alive?