"However, after diligent work, he successfully transitioned to a full-time shortstop. He led the National League in Defensive Runs Saved in 2025, while sitting in the 74th percentile in fielding run value, according to Baseball Savant. His arm strength was only 29th percentile, though his time in the outfield proves that he has a strong arm, which means he made some mechanical changes to get the ball out of his glove faster at the cost of his throwing power."
"The offseason work paid off, and Betts felt like he did all that 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 that I did everything I could. That's all I care about.""
Mookie Betts worked the entire offseason on his fielding after a brief 2024 infield stint and transitioned to a full-time shortstop. He led the National League in Defensive Runs Saved in 2025 and ranked in the 74th percentile in fielding run value, according to Baseball Savant. His arm strength measured in the 29th percentile after making mechanical changes to prioritize quicker releases over raw throwing power. Betts' range ranked in the 92nd percentile, making him one of the top shortstop defenders despite limited prior experience at the position. He finished as a Gold Glove finalist, experienced a league-average offensive season, and his move from the outfield pushed Teoscar Hernandez to right field where Hernandez struggled defensively. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts pencilled Betts at shortstop for the next season.
Read at Dodgers Nation
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