Mookie Betts Gets Graded on Shortstop Play by Dodgers Manager

Betts receives respectable grade at shortstop according to Roberts.

Apr 26, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) throws to / Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports

While the Los Angeles Dodgers have had some hiccups in the first month of the 2024 regular season, the same cannot be said about superstar infielder Mookie Betts. 

Betts embarked on a challenging transition this season, moving from right field to second base, then to shortstop. Despite these significant shifts, Betts has adapted remarkably well. His performance has been so impressive, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts gave him a 'B+' grade at the shortstop position.

As noted by Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, Roberts will give Betts time to turn that B+ into an A. 

Dave Roberts said this is a reflection of the Dodgers trust in Betts defensively at shortstop

He graded Betts’ SS defense as a B+ so far and thinks it will only get better. That’s why he wants Betts to keep getting as many reps there as possible https://t.co/BApNQHLF3T

— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) May 1, 2024

The Dodgers' patience is understandable. Few baseball players are asked to make the transition Betts is undertaking in the field. He and the Dodgers believe he can do it. At 31, Betts remains arguably the most naturally gifted athlete in the league. 

Through 33 games, Betts leads MLB in batting average (.377), on-base percentage (.481), OPS (1.104), hits (49) and runs (29).

In 25 games and 22 starts, Betts has a fielding percentage of .957, 30 putouts, 59 assists, 11 double plays, and only four errors in 190 innings. Betts has committed four errors, and his two-way play has allowed him to accrue an MLB-best 3 Wins Above Replacement according to both Baseball Reference and FanGraphs.

If Betts can continue his stellar play at shortstop, could count him collecting another MVP award and, eventually, the Gold Glove award he so desperately covets at the position.