Mookie Betts defensive love-fest is surprising Dodgers playoff development

The Los Angeles Dodgers' decision to move Mookie Betts to shortstop in spring training was met with plenty of skepticism, and understandably so. Betts was already an elite right fielder; why mess with a good thing?

The answer, as it turns out, is simple: Betts is good at all of the things.

It's not by accident, either. Betts took it upon himself to train with two-time Gold Glove shortstop Troy Tulowitzki in the offseason and ask other shortstops for advice on how to improve his defensive game. Now, he leads the league in defensive runs saved (17) and ranks in the top-10 in outs above average (5) by shortstops.

Betts becoming an elite shortstop has been a stunning development not because of who he is – a perennial MVP – but because of where he’s doing it. Turning from a Gold Glove right fielder into one of the game’s best postseason shortstops, virtually overnight, is the kind of storyline that doesn’t just define a playoff run; it redefines a player’s legacy.

Mookie Betts' defensive dominance at shortstop has been one of Dodgers' biggest postseason developments

For almost his entire career, Betts was an elite right fielder, a six-time Gold Glove winner whose range, arm, and instincts made him arguably the best defensive outfielder of his generation. When the Dodgers experimented with him in the infield in 2024, it was seen more as a way to cover injuries and get creative with roster flexibility – not as a permanent shift.

Betts was never supposed to be a shortstop in the first place. It's baseball’s most demanding defensive position, requiring lightning-fast reactions, strong arm accuracy from deep in the hole and constant involvement on every play. The idea that a 32-year-old outfielder could not only transition there, but excel there, seemed far-fetched.

The learning curve should have been brutal; but it wasn't. Even great athletes usually struggle moving into the infield after years in the outfield. The footwork, angles, and throws are completely different. And yet, Betts adapted with stunning swiftness.

It’s usually the type of transition even longtime infielders struggle to make mid-career, but Betts' range metrics and arm accuracy have graded near the top among National League shortstops. His double play turns have been smooth. His error totals have been shockingly low for someone so new to the position.

In October, defensive lapses get magnified – but Betts has done the opposite, saving runs and stabilizing the infield. He’s made multiple highlight plays already in the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies, elevating the Dodgers' defense when it matters the most.

Ultimately, Betts’ success at shortstop is a symbol of the Dodgers’ organizational philosophy of flexibility, open-mindedness and maximization of talent. What began as a necessity has turned into a competitive advantage, and it’s reshaped how teams view positional versatility – even for established stars.