Why Do the Dodgers Feel Confident in Mookie Betts at Shortstop?

12/14/2024 12:02 PM

Mookie Betts' shortstop debut last season was not equivalent to the typical defense of a six-time Gold Glove winner. The Dodgers ultimately moved Betts back to the outfield after he returned from a two-month stint on the injured list.

Despite his initial struggles at the position, the Dodgers have decided to give Betts another go. Now, the goal is to help Betts transition from the throw of an outfielder to the throw of an infielder. 

"If you look at all of the most challenging parts of the position, he does (those) really well," Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said. "And where he struggled was throwing. You go watch him in right field, it's one of the best arms in the game; it's incredibly accurate. So those things are most challenging to teach: getting off the ball, range, making exceptional plays, his pre-pitch timing. He nailed those. It was really syncing up his throw from that because he's been so used to the outfield throw. So I think that will be the majority of his work, is how does he access what is an elite arm and have that translate to the infield?"

Last season, Betts moved to shortstop six games into the exhibition season. The Dodgers have hope that a full offseason of preparation this time will help Betts develop into an elite shortstop. 

"He handled the difficultness of that position really well. The way he got off the ball. The range circle. The way the hands worked. He's had a hard time getting to his arm, and for a guy that is as talented as he is from an arm perspective," Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. "You know we kind of forced him into it on the fly last March and his point is if I have an offseason to train for this and to get my body in those positions to learn this I have no doubt I can figure it out. We're going to give him every chance to do that."

Most importantly, Betts has full confidence in himself. The three-time World Series champion is certain of his ability to be a dominant shortstop for the Dodgers.

"He is dead set on it," Friedman said. "He is very confident about it, and I will happily take the side of betting on Mookie and let any fool that wants to take the other side."

Los Angeles will head to Arizona in February for Spring Training, where Betts will have a chance to redeem his shortstop reputation.

Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

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