Mookie Betts comes under the league of baseball’s biggest stars. However, his first full season at shortstop in 2024 was anything but smooth. The Dodgers experiment did not quite go as planned—Mookie Betts struggled defensively. He posted a -3 Outs Above Average and looked super uncomfortable at times. Yet, despite such issues, a certain insider ranked him as the best shortstop in baseball in 2025.

It is a fascinating debate. His offensive numbers remain elite; however, does that support ranking him ahead of natural shortstops, like, Bobby Witt Jr. and Gunnar Henderson? With multiple questions related to his defense, we need to break down why he is still identified as the best at the position.

Mookie Betts hit with a reality check

In a tweet on 25th of February, ESPN’s inside man Paul Hembekides put out a list of his personal Top 10 shortstops in the game for the 2025 season. The comprehensive list featured veteran names like former Dodgers stars like Trea Turner and Corey Seager and 2012 MLB first draft pick for the Houston Astros, Carlos Correa. But the #1 spot is the one that sent tongues wagging: Mookie Betts.

Mookie Betts’ transition to shortstop in 2024 was met with skepticism and the concerns proved valid. He played more than 531 innings at the position, but committed nine errors. This way he scored a .963 fielding percentage. This tied Betts for the second-most errors among shortstops with fewer than 70 games played. Mookie Betts’ OAA was -4, which forced him to be placed in 48th out of 53 shortstops with at least 200 innings. In addition, his Ultimate Zone Rating was -4.6, placing him 49th. Such metrics highlight vital defensive issues. Assuming he had not played in this place since Class A in 2012, the rust was evident. Yet the NYT bestselling author  still holds out hope.

The numbers from offense do make a better case, though, proving that he was still the Mookie Betts. In the past year, Betts slashed .307/.408/.579. He got 39 home runs and 107 RBIs with a 167 wRC. With such a number, he ranked among MLB’s most dangerous hitters. Betts 8.3 fWAR trailed only Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr., proving his immense value. That is exactly why Paul Hembekides doubled down on his No. 1 shortstop ranking. “What I know for sure is that year to year, Mookie Betts is consistently one of the very best players in baseball who is going to go into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot someday“. Betts bat is elite; however, does it support his top ranking at shortstop? More importantly, how will the Dodgers shape up for it?

How a shaky shortstop in Mookie Betts plays out for the Dodgers

Can Mookie Betts still be rated as the league’s largest shortstop if his defensive issues from 2024 continue? History says opposite. Top hitters have had issues switching to new defensive spots. Because of his defensive shortcomings, Miguel Cabrera’s 2012 switch to third base was short-lived. The Red Sox had to switch sides after Hanley Ramírez’s disastrous 2015 spell at shortstop. With his mistake he became a worse defensive players. With more dependable defensive options on their roster, the Dodgers might need to rethink their experiment if he is unable to enhance his show.

Thankfully, the Dodgers have enough depth on the roster to cover any defensive issues at shortstop. Manager Dave Roberts could bring in seasoned infielders, like, Miguel Rojas and Hyeseong Kim if Mookie Betts’ defensive play continues to deteriorate. Kim, recently signed from the KBO, brings versatility and strong defensive skills. In addition, Rojas, who is identified for his defensive capabilities, has a lifetime fielding percentage of.991 at shortstop. The Dodgers’ lineup also has offensive mainstays, like, Will Smith, Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani, which ensures the team will continue doing effectively if any infield alterations are forced. As the Dodgers go through the season, this depth gives them adaptability and resiliency.

Betts is a generational talent, however, calling him the best shortstop in baseball is a vital take. If he enhances defensively, he could prove the doubters wrong. If not, how long can the Dodgers and MLB analysts continue to overlook his struggles? What do you think? Is he truly the best? Is his ranking established on reputation alone?