Mookie Betts Will Fight to Return to Shortstop with the Dodgers, But the Competition Will Not Be Easy

Mookie Betts, one of Major League Baseball’s most versatile and decorated players, is no stranger to shifting positions. Over the years, Betts has established himself not only as a premier outfielder but also as a potential solution for various infield positions. As he looks ahead to the 2025 season, one question looms large: will he return to shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and if so, how difficult will that journey be? The road to reclaiming the shortstop position, which Betts played earlier in his career, will not be a straightforward path. It will involve fierce competition, complex team dynamics, and strategic decisions that could impact his career trajectory and the Dodgers’ lineup. Let’s delve deeper into why Betts will face such a challenge and what it means for his future.

A Brief History of Mookie Betts’ Career

Mookie Betts’ name has become synonymous with excellence on the baseball field. His career began in 2014 when he made his MLB debut with the Boston Red Sox, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s best outfielders. Over the years, he’s accumulated an impressive resume: a five-time Gold Glove Award winner, four-time Silver Slugger, and, perhaps most notably, the 2018 American League Most Valuable Player (MVP). Betts’ combination of elite defense, power, and speed has made him one of the most well-rounded players of his generation.

Betts primarily played as an outfielder throughout his career, spending most of his time in right field. However, prior to his time in the majors, Betts played shortstop and second base in the minor leagues. His experience at shortstop is not just a passing curiosity; he was a standout infield defender in his younger days. His potential to move back to the position as a more seasoned player could be intriguing for the Dodgers, especially considering the flexibility it might offer the team.

When the Dodgers acquired Betts in 2020 in a blockbuster trade with the Red Sox, they were gaining a player capable of excelling in nearly every facet of the game. Betts immediately cemented himself as a centerpiece of the Dodgers’ lineup, leading them to a World Series championship that year. Since then, his contributions to the Dodgers have been invaluable, with Betts continuing to be a perennial MVP candidate and one of the faces of the franchise.

Despite his clear success in the outfield, Betts has remained open to the possibility of playing other positions. This desire to return to shortstop has been publicly stated by Betts, and in 2025, he will likely push for that opportunity. However, while this is a realistic possibility, several factors complicate the journey back to the position.

The Shortstop Position and Its Demands

Shortstop is widely considered one of the most challenging and demanding positions in baseball. It requires a player to not only have exceptional fielding skills but also a strong arm, quick reflexes, and the ability to make split-second decisions. A shortstop must cover a vast amount of ground on the field and be in constant communication with the other infielders, especially the second baseman and third baseman. The demands placed on a shortstop are physical, mental, and tactical, which is why only the most gifted athletes are capable of thriving at the position.

Betts, despite being one of the most versatile players in the game, will face some unique challenges when it comes to returning to shortstop. The position requires a level of agility and quickness that may be different from what he has needed in the outfield. While he certainly possesses the physical tools to succeed, he will also need to adapt to the mental side of playing shortstop again, which includes understanding the nuances of the position—especially after several years away from it.

Further complicating matters is the fact that Betts, though undoubtedly a stellar athlete, has not played regularly at shortstop since his early years in professional baseball. This absence from the position raises questions about how well he can transition back to shortstop after spending most of his prime years in the outfield.

The Dodgers’ Infield Depth

Betts’ quest to return to shortstop will also have to contend with the Dodgers’ infield depth. The team has several players who can be considered viable candidates for shortstop, and this will create stiff competition for the position.

One of the most significant competitors for the shortstop spot is Gavin Lux. Lux, a former first-round pick, has been the Dodgers’ primary shortstop in recent seasons. While he has had his share of ups and downs defensively, Lux has shown significant improvement over the years. His athleticism, strong arm, and solid bat make him an integral part of the Dodgers’ future. With the team having already invested heavily in Lux as their shortstop of the present and future, it would be difficult for Betts to simply displace him without a compelling argument for doing so.

Moreover, the Dodgers have Chris Taylor, another versatile player who can also handle shortstop duties. Taylor has a wealth of experience across multiple positions, including shortstop, and is known for his adaptability. While Taylor is generally considered a utility player, his ability to play shortstop at a high level makes him a strong contender in the competition.

Additionally, the Dodgers could look to further solidify their infield by pursuing a high-profile shortstop in free agency or through a trade. With their financial resources and penchant for making bold moves, it’s not out of the question that they could add another shortstop to the mix, thereby increasing the competition for Betts.

All of these factors create a complicated dynamic for Betts. While he is undoubtedly capable of playing shortstop at a high level, he will need to convince both the coaching staff and the front office that his return to the position is the best move for the team, especially when other talented infielders are already in place.

Betts’ Defense and Offensive Skills

For Betts, returning to shortstop would be about more than just his glove. His ability to hit, make contact, and produce offensively would play a key role in making his case to return to the position. As an outfielder, Betts has been a consistent offensive force, contributing power, average, and elite base running. He has a career .301 batting average and has averaged over 25 home runs per season since 2016.

His offensive skills would be highly valued at shortstop, where power from the position is considered a major asset. However, moving Betts back to shortstop could impact his offensive performance in subtle ways. The mental and physical demands of playing shortstop could take a toll on his body, potentially reducing his ability to maintain peak offensive production. Historically, players who move from the outfield to the infield have seen changes in their batting performance, particularly in terms of consistency and durability.

On the other hand, Betts’ work ethic and physical conditioning are second to none. He has consistently proven himself as one of the most disciplined and committed athletes in the league. With his determination, it is entirely possible that he could mitigate any negative impact the position change has on his offense.

The Dodgers’ Decision-Making Process

Ultimately, the decision about whether Betts returns to shortstop will rest with the Dodgers’ front office and coaching staff. The team will need to evaluate whether moving Betts to shortstop is the best move for the club’s overall performance, taking into account his health, versatility, and the needs of the roster.

The Dodgers are a team with championship aspirations, and they cannot afford to make decisions based on sentimentality. They will look at the numbers, the competition, and the potential benefits of having Betts back at shortstop. Betts is one of the best players in the game, but the Dodgers have a deep roster, and every decision will be made with the goal of maximizing their chances of winning another World Series.

Furthermore, the Dodgers will need to consider how the position battle for shortstop impacts the team’s chemistry. Betts is a respected leader in the clubhouse, but the competition for the starting role could create tensions. It’s possible that Betts could agree to take on a part-time role at shortstop or serve as a backup for Lux, but that would require him to adjust his mindset and approach.

The Bottom Line: A Difficult Challenge

Mookie Betts’ desire to return to shortstop with the Dodgers is understandable given his history at the position and his competitive nature. However, the competition will not be easy. Betts will have to contend with players like Gavin Lux, Chris Taylor, and potentially other high-level infielders, all of whom are highly capable of playing shortstop. Additionally, the demands of the position itself—combined with the Dodgers’ desire to maintain offensive production—make Betts’ return to shortstop far from a guarantee.

In the end, Betts will need to prove not only that he is capable of playing shortstop at a high level but also that it is in the best interest of the Dodgers to make that move. With the franchise’s championship window firmly open, the decision about where Betts plays in 2025 will have lasting ramifications for both his career and the Dodgers’ quest for another World Series title.