Mookie Betts Looks to Bounce Back
Every great athlete goes through a slump at some point, and even baseball’s biggest stars aren’t immune to slumps.
Last season was one of those tough times for Mookie Betts.
The former MVP struggled more than fans are used to seeing. His numbers dropped, and the season felt different from the ones that made him a superstar.
Still, Betts believes those struggles are past him, and he expects to return to MVP shape.
Confidence Heading Into the New Season
Talking about the upcoming season, Betts is extremely confident and determined. He believes his swing finally feels right again, and his mindset has improved.
After months of frustration last year, he finally feels comfortable again at the plate.
A Surprising 2025 Season
The 2025 season surprised many people because Betts has built a career on consistency. Fans expect him to hit for power, get on base, and make great plays in the field. Instead, the season started slowly and really never got easier, with his numbers dropping in areas where he usually shines. His work at shortstop has been outstanding, but his consistency at the plate just wasn’t there.
Additionally, both his slugging percentage and OPS fell to some of the lowest levels of his career. At one point in August, Betts hit just .237 with a .309 on-base percentage.
High Standards for a Superstar
For a player who has earned an MVP award, multiple Gold Gloves, and several All-Star selections, those hitting stats looked strange. For many players, those numbers would not seem terrible. For Betts, they were far below the standard he sets for himself.
Even Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noticed, saying it’s incredibly rare to see Betts go through a slump like that. Usually, Betts stays steady and focused throughout the year and bounces back from slumps quickly, but last season didn’t follow that pattern.
Position Change and Health Challenges
Several factors made the season more challenging. First, Betts moved to shortstop full-time. That position change added pressure because a shortstop demands strong defense and constant focus. Shoutout to Miguel Rojas for helping Betts quickly become comfortable in his new position at shortstop, which ended up being outstanding.
A massive 20-pound weight loss from illness also did not help and seriously affectedhis timing, strength, and energy. Betts has been working extremely hard to shake off this past year by taking extra swings during batting practice and trying to simplify his routine.
Signs of Improvement Late in the Season
Later in the season, he started to show improvement. In his final games, Betts posted an OPS close to .900 and drove in 23 runs. That stretch and his contributions to a second consecutive World Series title reminded fans what he can do when he feels locked in, regardless of his personal challenges during the season.
Betts admitted he overthought his approach last year, getting caught in that cycle of searching for quick fixes and constantly adjusting his stance and timing. He believes his mechanics already sit in a good place. Because of that, he’s focusing on preparation and confidence rather than constant change. He said he hasn’t had any bad days in batting practice lately, which must be a positive feeling as the season approaches.
Lessons Learned From the Struggles
Betts has certainly gained something valuable from the struggles. Difficult seasons can help players learn important lessons. Betts said the experience helped improve his mindset, teaching him to stay calm and focused rather than get frustrated. That kind of mental growth could be huge for future slumps. His teammates trust him completely, and they expect him to return to MVP-level performance because they know he can.
Of course, nothing is guaranteed in sports. Baseball seasons last a long time, and injuries, slumps, and unexpected challenges always play a role. Still, Betts seems more ready to face any challenges that may come his way.
If his new approach works, fans might see the return of the MVP-level Mookie Betts very soon.
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Categorized:Dodgers