Why Mookie Betts switched to shortstop from right field for Dodgers

Mookie Betts is one of the best right fielders of his generation.

So, naturally, he's the starting shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers as the World Series gets underway on Friday night in Toronto.

Not only is Betts playing shortstop, either. He's also a Gold Glove finalist at the spot.

For anyone tuning in who hasn't gotten much chance to watch the Dodgers play, it might be jarring. Wait, is that Mookie at short? Yep, that's Mookie at short.

It's exactly what the Dodgers needed from him.

Why is Mookie Betts playing shortstop?

Mookie Betts is playing shortstop because, essentially, it's best for his team, the Dodgers.

Betts first moved to shortstop before the 2024 season, undertaking the painstaking process of re-learning how to be an infielder. He had ascended through the minor leagues with infield experience, although a lot at second base. But in the majors, he'd developed into a superstar right fielder.

There were growing pains. Betts wasn't at his best at short in 2024. And after a midseason injury, he returned to right field for the run to the World Series.

Betts knew he would end up back at shortstop in 2025. It's the best way for the Dodgers to get their strong corner outfielders into the lineup with him.

"If Mook really wants to do something, he's going to do everything he can to be an elite, elite shortstop," Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes told ESPN before this season. "I'm not going to bet against that guy."

MORE: This 27-year old infielder will get a World Series ring no matter whether Dodgers or Blue Jays win

Is Mookie Betts a good shortstop?

Betts wasn't a good shortstop in 2024. He is in 2025.

Last season, Betts' first at shortstop, he finished with negative-5 outs above average. This season, Betts is a positive 6 outs above average.

That's just one stat, but it meshes with the fact that Betts went from a player who had to learn this brand new position to one who is now a Gold Glove finalist.

If a grounder is hit to Mookie now, he knows exactly what to do with it.

More World Series news

• A guy named Will Smith has won the World Series each of the past 5 years
• Meet Ernie Clement, Blue Jays' postseason record setter who is nominated for 2 Gold Gloves
• Why the Blue Jays traded away Teoscar Hernandez, paving his path to the Dodgers