Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
The Los Angeles Dodgers are busy continuing to explore options to fill out the roster this offseason, and one decision already made was tabbing Mookie Betts as their starting shortstop.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes confirmed their plans this week with Betts making another move back to the infield. He was thrust into the position prior to Opening Day this past season, learning on the fly with mixed results.
Betts was adequate in 530.1 defensive innings at shortstop in 2024, but a second-go at the position is a nod to the front office’s belief he is the best option and capable of learning to become even better.
Gomes addressed the outlook for Betts, reaffirming the notion that he has the tools necessary to play the position at a high level with one focus in training his major flaw, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic:
“If you look at all of the most challenging parts of the position, he does (those) really well,” Gomes said. “And where he struggled was throwing. You go watch him in right field, it’s one of the best arms in the game; it’s incredibly accurate. So those things are most challenging to teach: getting off the ball, range, making exceptional plays, his pre-pitch timing. He nailed those. It was really syncing up his throw from that because he’s been so used to the outfield throw.
“So I think that will be the majority of his work, is how does he access what is an elite arm and have that translate to the infield?”
Betts’ arm registered an average of 78.3 mph in 277 chances at shortstop in 2024, which was 59th out of 60 qualified players. League average at the position was 86.9 mph.
Betts also struggled with accuracy at times, making poor throws that were either saved by Freddie Freeman or didn’t produce an out.
To his credit, Betts attacked his infield preparation head on, regularly going through drills several hours before each game. As a fallback option, the Dodgers have Miguel Rojas and Tommy Edman on the roster, both of whom are capable of playing shortstop at an above-average level.
The Dodgers had interest in Willy Adames prior to him agreeing to a seven-year, $182 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, but instead they decided to bet on Betts.
Mookie Betts’ shortstop struggles
The majority of Betts’ mishaps at shortstop this past year were because of throwing errors, combined with a subpar arm strength.
Dating back to early March this past season, Betts accounted for at least six throwing errors while playing shortstop. To Gomes’ point, his internal timing and angle of his arm were all areas he’ll need to address.
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