Why Mookie Betts' spring training is unlike any he's had with Dodgers - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Jack Vita

February 19, 2026

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Mookie Betts is entering his seventh season with the Dodgers, and this spring training marks a fresh start for the star shortstop. Unlike previous seasons, which were hurried due to international opening games, Betts is embracing a more traditional spring training节奏, allowing him to ease into the season after a challenging 2023 campaign. Manager Dave Roberts has high expectations for Betts, predicting he’ll be in the MVP conversation and emphasizing his importance as a team player focused on helping Los Angeles win a championship. Last season was a tough year for Betts, who battled a stomach virus that sidelined him early and impacted his performance. His batting average (.258), on-base percentage (.326), and OPS (.732) all dropped to career lows. However, Betts showed signs of recovery late in the season, hitting .317 with nearly double his home run total over his final 47 games. Despite this rebound, he struggled in the NLCS and World Series, leading Roberts to shift him from second to third in the batting order for the postseason. Roberts has expressed confidence in Betts’s defensive abilities at shortstop, noting that he remains a Gold Glove finalist after transitioning from the outfield. Offensively, Roberts sees Betts as a versatile “Swiss Army knife” who can drive in runs and contribute significantly in the lineup. With a focus on health and team success, Betts is poised to reclaim his offensive potential this season. Meanwhile, other Dodgers players like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Will Smith are also making headlines. Roberts announced that Yamamoto will start the Cactus League opener before joining Team Japan for the World Baseball Classic, while Smith is expected to see regular action early in spring training. Veteran stars like Bet

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/19/2026