The Los Angeles Dodgers need to win a 3rd straight World Series title in 2026, and so they have probably the most gifted roster within the league able to doing so. However, some gamers on the 40‑man roster shall be seeking to bounce again and return to type, and shortstop Mookie Betts is considered one of them.
While Betts loved his greatest defensive season but at shortstop, even incomes his first Gold Glove nomination on the place, his manufacturing on the plate took a noticeable step backward.
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The 33‑yr‑previous owned a .258 batting common, .326 on‑base share, .732 OPS, 20 dwelling runs and 82 RBIs throughout 150 video games final yr.
Betts started the season battling an sickness that brought on important weight reduction, one thing he by no means totally recovered from, which can partially clarify the dip. Still, for a participant of Betts caliber, he’s clearly aiming for a bounce‑again yr.
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
(© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)
That is why this spring is so necessary for Betts. Getting constant reps now offers Betts the possibility to rebuild power, timing and rhythm earlier than Opening Day and return to the extent he has performed at for greater than a decade. He is a former MVP, eight‑time All‑Star, seven‑time Silver Slugger and MLB’s energetic chief in World Series rings with 4.
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At spring coaching, Betts has appeared in 5 video games and posted a .357 batting common with a .786 OPS, beginning off sturdy. However, in response to an replace from Dodgers supervisor Dave Roberts, Betts has briefly left camp for a private matter.
His spouse, Brianna Betts, is anticipating the couple’s third youngster, and he has stepped away to be together with her (h/t Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic).
Betts had revealed earlier this offseason that his spouse was anticipating, which is why he declined to take part on this yr’s World Baseball Classic despite the fact that a lot of his Dodgers teammates are participating.
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This would be the couple’s third youngster, becoming a member of their daughter Kynlee Ivory Betts (born November 2018) and son Kaj Lynn Betts (born April 2023). With his household rising and his legacy already safe, Betts nonetheless believes he can return to MVP type, and the Dodgers consider it too. He has seven seasons remaining on his 12‑yr, $365 million deal in Los Angeles, giving him loads of time to chase extra titles and add to a legendary profession.
Related: Dave Roberts Announces Yoshinobu Yamamoto News Ahead of Dodgers Season
This story was initially printed by Athlon Sports on Mar 13, 2026, the place it first appeared within the MLB part. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
