TL;DR - Scouting Report
Mookie Betts is going all-in on playing shortstop in 2025. With help from Troy Tulowitzki, Betts is transforming his defense—will it be enough for him to thrive in the infield? The Dodgers are betting on it! Here’s everything we know.
Start the Rally: Tweet This Now!Mookie Betts isn’t just dabbling at shortstop, he’s all in. After a shaky 2024 at the position, the Dodgers’ superstar turned to Troy Tulowitzki for elite-level training. Can Mookie silence the doubters and become an elite shortstop in 2025?
Of the many things to get excited about with the 2025 Dodgers season around the corner, Betts playing at shortstop hasn’t been one of them.
Mookie Betts’ Shortstop Challenge: Can He Make the Leap?
Betts reached out to a former division foe – one of baseball’s best shortstops of recent memory, former Rockies and Blue Jays shortstop Tulowitzki.
There was no way Betts was going to allow himself to have another lackluster showing at shortstop in 2025. This after three inconsistent months.
Troy Tulowitzki Steps In to Train Mookie Betts
Tulowitzki, formerly of Long Beach State fame and now an assistant coach with the Texas Longhorns, happily accepted, taking on the challenge of converting a six-time Gold Glove right fielder into a shortstop, a position switch not commonly seen.
“I wouldn’t say this for anybody else that’s just spent however many years in the outfield and then go to the infield,” Tulowitzki said of Betts. “But I could truly tell you, I think he can be an elite defender at the position; which is just crazy to say.”
How Betts is Rebuilding his Defense
Betts’ plan? He took groundballs nearly on a daily basis in Los Angeles, then traveled to see Tulowitzki in Texas and Dodgers coaches in Arizona.
“It’s two grades better already,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
Like a true cleaner, Betts worked on form, attack angles and the mental process needed to handle every defensive situation awaiting him in his newfound position.
Dodgers first base coach Chris Woodward says Betts is playing with more of a downhill mentality, showing more comfort and confidence this spring than he did last season, where he committed nine errors in 65 games at short.
“I couldn’t believe the strides that he made,” Tulowitzki said. “I would say to do something, and it’s pretty much done in a day or two. Once he went home, he would send me video, and I’m like, ‘yeah, that’s it, man.’ Talk about a pretty easy guy to work with. He’s special.”
Will Betts Stick at Shortstop? The Dodgers’ Backup Plan
The Dodgers have plenty of depth waiting in the wings in the event it doesn’t work out for Mookie at short. Tommy Edman is set to play center field, but could jump in at short, if needed, with Miguel Rojas, Kike Hernandez and Hyeseong Kim also waiting, if needed.
Your Turn: Why do you think Mookie Betts will thrive at shortstop? Should the Dodgers stick with a true infielder at short? Drop your predictions below in the comments!
