Mookie Betts Open to Being Dodgers’ Shortstop for the Rest of His Career

The Los Angeles Dodgers decided to move superstar Mookie Betts to the infield heading into the 2024 season. Last December he was revealed to be the Dodgers’ everyday second baseman, but that quickly changed after Gavin Lux struggled at shortstop during spring training.

Since then the Dodgers have allowed Betts to settle in at shortstop, by far the toughest position to play outside catcher for anyone — even Betts, who is considered one of the best pound-for-pound athletes in MLB.

It’s been evident that this year will be an adjustment for Betts, whose seven errors at shortstop ranks tied for fourth among all shortstops. He also ranks second in MLB in Defensive Runs Saved, ahead of both of last year’s Gold Glove award winners.

Betts, 31, is confident he will figure it out — and even went so far as to say that he will want to be the Dodgers’ shortstop for the rest of his career.

“Right now, it’s for the present. If the opportunity comes where I can do it every day for the rest of my career, then absolutely, I’ll definitely take on that challenge. That’s not going to make it easy, right? It’s still going to be hard. I’ll still be working and taking care of my business. I’ll just do whatever it takes to win. If that’s me playing short, that’s me playing short.”

— Mookie Betts, via FOX Sports

The adjustment has been rough at times. Even Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel admitted he was worried about Betts playing shortstop everyday because it is so taxing on the body. There’s no sugarcoating it: the midseason transition isn’t ideal. However, it’s clear Betts believes in his abilities and will stop at nothing to be the game’s best shortstop.

The Dodgers always have the chance to explore the trade market for a full-time shortstop. That option will remain open, at least until Betts proves he’s figured it out one way or another. Although his defense has been an issue at times, it sure isn’t affecting his offensive play. Through 57 games, Betts is batting .332 with eight home runs, 31 RBIs, nine stolen bases, and a .953 OPS in 226 at-bats.

Betts will look to continue to grow on defense while making sure his offensive game is elite, as always.

Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

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