With Mookie Betts’ Glove Still Not Golden at Shortstop, Will Dodgers Dial Up Trade Deadline?

Mookie Betts, the six-time Gold Glove outfielder, has always made baseball look easy. But 2024 has been a different story. His transition to shortstop—a position he hasn’t played regularly since high school—has been anything but effortless. While he’s flashed moments of brilliance at the plate, his defense has been plagued by uncharacteristic errors, leaving many wondering if the Los Angeles Dodgers will seek a trade to solidify the position.

A recent report by The Associated Press states that Betts has not shied away from admitting the stress that the position brings—nine errors this season, just two shy of the league leader, have been a stark contrast to his usual defensive prowess. A particularly rough outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates saw him boot two ground balls, prompting him to confide in teammate Gavin Lux that “this is the hardest thing” that he has ever had to do.

It’s not just the errors that raise eyebrows; even routine plays seem to be a struggle at times. A sharp grounder by Jack Suwinski in that same Pirates game saw Mookie Betts unable to get the ball out of his glove, a moment of frustration etched on his face.

Despite the struggles, Betts isn’t seeking sympathy. He’s embracing the challenge, putting in extra defensive work, and maintaining a positive attitude. “There’s no excuses,” he says, “but the fact is this is all new to me, this is all new. And it’s going to take more than two months to get (right).”

The move to shortstop hasn’t impacted Betts’ offensive production. He’s hitting .312 on the season, with a torrid start that has cooled slightly in recent games. His three-run homer against the Pirates, however, was a reminder of his potent bat. As he put it, “You’re going to go through your ups and downs and nobody enjoys the downs… But that didn’t mean you accept it, but you have to understand it.”

Mookie Betts rejects fatigue, claims—“Best I’ve felt”

While Betts remains optimistic, the Dodgers might be exploring their options. Revered insider Jon Heyman has hinted that Betts might be better suited for second base, saying, “Betts is great at shortstop considering, but he’s even better at 2B.” This has fueled speculation about a potential trade for a new shortstop, perhaps allowing Betts to shift back to his natural position.

Dodgers Talk Show host David Vassegh, however, tweeted that Betts rejected the notion that playing shortstop is wearing him down, stating, “This is the best I’ve felt since I was 21 or 22 years old.” This suggests that the team might be willing to give Betts more time to adjust to the new position.

The upcoming series against the Yankees starting today will be a crucial test for Mookie Betts. The atmosphere at Yankee Stadium is always electric, and Betts is hoping his glove can be part of the show. “You know it’s tough,” he said. “But I’ve got to get it done.”

Manager Dave Roberts acknowledges the learning curve Betts is facing, saying, “He took the swings… And for him to catch a barrel and go deep to center field, that was a really good sign.” Roberts’ comments highlight the need for continued improvement even if Betts momentarily shines and is focused on trying to solidify his role at shortstop.

The question remains: will the Blue Crew’s patience run out before Betts’ glove catches up? The answer may lie in their actions at the upcoming trade deadline, a decision that could significantly alter the course of their season and Mookie Betts’ future at shortstop. All eyes will be on the Dodgers’ front office as they weigh their options and determine the best path forward for the team.