Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts revealed his plans for the rest of his career as a defender following a move from right field to the infield.
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts revealed his plans for the rest of his career as a defender following a successful move from right field to the infield.
During DodgerFest, Betts revealed to Dodgers Nation’s very own Doug McKain that he wants to finish his career at shortstop.
Betts spent most of his career in right field, becoming a Gold Glove winner at the position and regarded as one of the best defenders in the game.
His speed allows him to cover a good amount of ground, and his glove and fundamentals are sound overall. However, in 2024, Betts was forced to cover in the infield, moving to second base and moonlighting as a shortstop.
Betts did not play up to his usual defensive standard despite having a good arm and experience fielding ground balls, leading him to move back to the outfield for the close of the season once others got healthy.
Ever the player looking for a new challenge, the former Red Sox player spent the 2024 offseason working on his fielding to play shortstop full-time.
He delivered a standout performance in 2025, becoming a Gold Glove finalist, cutting down on his mistakes, and making highlight plays, especially during the postseason.
What could stop Mookie Betts from finishing his career at shortstop?
The biggest barrier preventing older players from playing shortstop is the loss of athleticism that comes with age.
It is rare to see a player in their mid-to-late 30s still playing shortstop, though Betts wants to buck the trend.
He seems to do a good job of maintaining his body and retaining his athleticism, though Father Time remains undefeated, and he could suffer an injury or a natural decline that limits his range to get ground balls.
Realistically, if he wants to stay in the infield, Betts could end up moving over to second base, where he also played.
Even if he does not stay at shortstop for the rest of his career, Betts has already achieved a special feat, moving to shortstop in his 30s and thriving.
“To go out there and play Gold Glove right field for years,” manager Dave Roberts said back in October. “And to be in the Gold Glove conversation this year, rightfully so, to playing the biggest of games, biggest of stages — it’s just never been done. It takes a special brain and talent to do it.”
Category: General Sports
