The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to win a third straight World Series title in 2026, and they have the most talented roster in the league capable of doing so. However, some players on the 40‑man roster will be looking to bounce back and return to form, and shortstop Mookie Betts is one of them.
While Betts enjoyed his best defensive season yet at shortstop, even earning his first Gold Glove nomination at the position, his production at the plate took a noticeable step backward.
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The 33‑year‑old owned a .258 batting average, .326 on‑base percentage, .732 OPS, 20 home runs and 82 RBIs across 150 games last year.
Betts began the season battling an illness that caused significant weight loss, something he never fully recovered from, which may partially explain the dip. Still, for a player of Betts caliber, he is clearly aiming for a bounce‑back year.
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
(© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)
That is why this spring is so important for Betts. Getting consistent reps now gives Betts the chance to rebuild strength, timing and rhythm before Opening Day and return to the level he has played at for more than a decade. He is a former MVP, eight‑time All‑Star, seven‑time Silver Slugger and MLB’s active leader in World Series rings with four.
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At spring training, Betts has appeared in five games and posted a .357 batting average with a .786 OPS, starting off strong. However, according to an update from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Betts has temporarily left camp for a personal matter.
His wife, Brianna Betts, is expecting the couple’s third child, and he has stepped away to be with her (h/t Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic).
Betts had revealed earlier this offseason that his wife was expecting, which is why he declined to participate in this year’s World Baseball Classic even though many of his Dodgers teammates are taking part.
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This will be the couple’s third child, joining their daughter Kynlee Ivory Betts (born November 2018) and son Kaj Lynn Betts (born April 2023). With his family growing and his legacy already secure, Betts still believes he can return to MVP form, and the Dodgers believe it too. He has seven seasons remaining on his 12‑year, $365 million deal in Los Angeles, giving him plenty of time to chase more titles and add to a legendary career.
Related: Dave Roberts Announces Yoshinobu Yamamoto News Ahead of Dodgers Season
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.