Mookie Betts, a player widely recognized as a baseball superstar, had a challenging start to the 2025 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, leading to questions about whether he had lost the form that once made him an MVP and eight-time All-Star. Despite his past accolades, Betts was struggling to find his usual rhythm at the plate and in the field.
After battling illness before the season began, his on-field statistics reflected this downturn. Over 107 games, Betts was hitting just .239 with 12 home runs and 51 runs batted in, numbers well below his well-established career standards. This slump prompted Dodgers’ general manager Dave Roberts to consider repositioning Betts lower in the batting order, a move he ultimately decided against to preserve confidence in the star player.
I wouldn’t say frustrating for me. Certainly frustrating for the player,
Roberts commented regarding Betts’ difficulties.
I think for me, it’s more trying to instill confidence in Mookie. He’s doing everything he can to prepare, to perform. Knows his value to the club.
Betts’ Recent Surge Signals a Potential Revival
Signs of renewal began to appear as Betts went 6-for-12 across three games, rekindling the dynamic play that once made him a fearsome talent on the diamond. This resurgence climaxed during the Dodgers’ 5-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, where Betts scored two runs and drove in three, providing a critical offensive catalyst just as the Dodgers aimed to maintain their lead atop the National League West.
When asked about the source of his regained confidence, Betts credited his wife, revealing that her encouragement played a key role in his turnaround. This revelation struck a chord given that the game followed Brianna Hammonds’ birthday, adding personal significance to his performance.
Shout-out to my wife. My wife is the number one person that put confidence in me.
—Mookie Betts
So thank you, honey! And happy birthday,
Betts added, acknowledging his wife’s influence on his renewed energy at the plate.
The Challenges Betts Faced: Position Change and Slumps
Betts’ struggles are further contextualized by his shift this season from outfield to shortstop, a position adjustment that is rare for someone with six defensive Gold Glove awards earned in the outfield. This transition may have compounded his offensive challenges, as adapting to new defensive responsibilities often affects a player’s overall game.
His difficulties included a stretch where he went 0-for-20 across five games, dropping his batting average to a season-low .231 before his current hitting streak. Despite this, the Dodgers have stuck with him, understanding his importance to their lineup and long-term success.
Implications for the Dodgers’ Push Toward the Playoffs
Betts’ return to form could not come at a more crucial time. The Dodgers currently hold a narrow three-game advantage over their National League West rivals, the San Diego Padres, making every player’s contribution vital during the season’s closing weeks. Betts’ recent surge offers hope that he can deliver at the level the team needs to secure another World Series appearance.
Whether this recent hot streak marks the true resurgence of Betts or simply a brief upswing remains to be seen. However, given his past success and support from his wife, along with the Dodgers’ faith expressed by Roberts, there is strong optimism that Betts will continue to rediscover the elite performance that has defined his career.