Dave Roberts Announces Reason for Mookie Betts Decision Amid Spring Training

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Feb 26, 2026 4:56 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ quest for a three‑peat is off to a strong start, even if it is only spring training. Los Angeles has opened camp with five straight wins, showcasing the depth and talent that runs throughout the organization.

As the Dodgers prepare for Opening Day, one player looking to rebound this season is shortstop Mookie Betts. The 33‑year‑old veteran saw his offensive production dip in 2025, posting a .258 batting average, .326 on‑base percentage, .732 OPS, 20 home runs and 82 RBIs across 150 games.

He still walked away with his fourth career World Series title, but for a competitor like Betts, the expectation is always to play a larger role. That remains the standard for him as he continues through the massive 12‑year, $365 million extension he signed after being traded from the Boston Red Sox.

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50)© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

This spring will look different for Betts. Last year, he spent most of camp fully transitioning to shortstop while also recovering from an illness late in spring that caused significant weight loss.

As a result, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has decided to ease him in this time around. “We wanted him to ramp up differently,” Roberts said, noting how much energy Betts devoted to the position change last year.

Roberts also shared the timeline for Betts’ first spring appearance, telling reporters he will not play before Sunday and may not debut until early next week (h/t Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register).

Roberts: "We wanted him to ramp up differently" after devoting so much energy to his transition to shortstop leading into last spring
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 26, 2026

Betts’ slow ramp‑up comes at a point in his career where his legacy is already secure. With an MVP, eight All‑Star selections, four World Series titles, six Gold Gloves, seven Silver Sluggers and a batting title, he has been one of the most consistently dominant players of his generation. As long as he stays on the field for the majority of the remainder of his career, he is tracking toward the Hall of Fame.

Now he enters 2026 looking to help the Dodgers win a third straight championship and extend his lead as the active MLB player with the most rings. For Betts, this season is about staying healthy, returning to form at the plate and continuing to add to a legacy that is already among the most decorated in baseball.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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