Mookie Betts’ First Full Season as Dodgers Shortstop: 2025 Season Recap

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts ultimately finished as a Gold Glove finalist in his first full season at his new position.

Betts worked on his fielding throughout the offseason after playing a brief stint in the infield during the 2024 season. He struggled at shortstop during those few appearances, and Betts ultimately finished the season back in right field.

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However, after hard work, he successfully transitioned to full-time shortstop. He led the National League in Defensive Runs Saved in 2025 while ranking in the 74th percentile in field run value, according to Baseball Savant.

His arm strength was only the 29th percentile, although his time in the outfield proves he has a strong arm, meaning he has made some mechanical changes to get the ball out of his glove faster, at the expense of his throwing power.

Betts’ range ranked in the 92nd percentile among all shortstops in baseball. By all statistics, he was one of the best fielders in the game at a position he hadn’t played since his high school days.

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The offseason work paid off, and Betts felt like he was doing everything he could to improve his fielding, regardless of whether he won an award or not.

“It was a goal to be the best I could be,” Betts said. “If it came with a Gold Glove, cool. If it didn’t come with a Gold Glove, cool. I can go to bed at night knowing I did everything I could. That’s all I care about.”

His move to shortstop came at the expense of his offense, which was at league average, well below where it normally has been.

Additionally, his departure from the outfield meant that Teoscar Hernandez moved to right field, where he struggled to play at a respectable level.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has already penciled Betts in at shortstop for next season, hoping some offseason work on his offense can help the All-Star return to his two-way heights.

Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

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