One anticipated roster adjustment involves Betts moving to third base for the upcoming season. This strategic shift is designed to accommodate Kyle Tucker at second base, thereby optimizing the lineup to feature the team’s best talents cohesively.

“I have no doubt about it,” manager Dave Roberts remarked regarding his expectations for Betts excelling at this position. “Considering how he handled shortstop duties last year and anticipating improved offensive performance, he will definitely be in the MVP conversation this season.”

Betts is set to make his debut as a third baseman this season, having previously occupied various positions for the Dodgers such as shortstop, right field, and second base. Also, Roberts confirmed the absence of Tommy Edman for Opening Day, leaving a question mark on who can replace him.

Betts’ performance at shortstop in 2025

Renowned for his adaptability, manager Dave Roberts is exploring the potential of Betts at third base following an impressive tenure at shortstop last season. Let’s examine Betts’ statistics from that position:

• Gold Glove Finalist: He was recognized as one of the three finalists for the NL Gold Glove at shortstop.
• Defensive Runs Saved (DRS): He led all MLB shortstops with +17 DRS.
• Elite Range: He was ranked in the 92nd percentile for range among all shortstops.
• The “Arm” Trade-off: Notably, his arm strength was in the 29th percentile.

Dodgers’ projected lineup with Betts at third base

With uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness of this new rotation for the Dodgers, anticipation grows regarding who will feature in the projected Opening Day lineup against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Here is the projected lineup for the Dodgers:

1. Shohei Ohtani DH
2. Kyle Tucker RF
3. Mookie Betts 3B
4. Freddie Freeman 1B
5. Will Smith C
6. Teoscar Hernandez LF
7. Max Muncy DH
8. Andy Pages CF
9. Hyeseong Kim SS/2B

Kershaw could not have dreamed of a better ending than the one he had, as in his final game as a professional, he was crowned World Series champion for the third time in his career. He will undoubtedly be missed by Dodgers Nation, and in a video published by the franchise on their official X (formerly Twitter) account, his former teammates sent heartfelt farewell messages.

“Alright 22, you know, it’s been six years, bro,” Betts said. “That’s a long time to play with someone like you. You have shown me what being a Dodger is supposed to look like. So, I thank you for that. I thank you for just your hard work, your blood, sweat and tears. I thank you for being here, winning two World Series and on our way to another one”.

“And I just hope everything goes your way, bro. You’ve done it the right way. You treat everybody in a beautiful manner. And I just thank you for being a great example… Good luck in your retirement and I’ll see you on the links soon,” he added.

Freddie Freeman, who faced Kershaw with the Atlanta Braves and is 8-25 with a homer and 2 RBIs in 28 plate appearances against him in his career, won two World Series with Clayton as a teammate and spoke of the great honor of having been able to share the field with him.

“Hey Clayton, first off I just want to say congratulations on a first ballot Hall of Fame career that you’ve had,” Freeman noted. “It’s been an honor to be on the field with you, compete against you, just everything. You’re the epitome of what a great baseball player is. And even better person”.

“I’m going to miss, you know, your singing voice in the weight room. Shirtless Sundays. Being in the tube with you 40,000 feet up in the air, miss those flights. Just miss you. You know, everything that you bring to the Dodgers organization over your career, it’s been an honor to be your teammate,” Freeman concluded.

Kershaw turned down offer to join Dodgers front office

Having spent his entire career with the Dodgers, Kershaw will always be linked to the organization, and it would come as no surprise if he eventually ends up working within the franchise. However, despite receiving an offer to continue working with the Dodgers, Kershaw decided to turn it down, as the three-time World Series Champion wants to dedicate more time to his family.

“In the waning days of Kershaw’s career, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman approached him with an offer to stick around as a member of the baseball operations department. Kershaw was flattered by the offer. ‘I don’t think I have any full-time jobs in my future,’ he said. ‘Except full-time dad,’” Andy McCullough of The Athletic reported.

It is a logical decision for Kershaw, who along with his wife, Ellen, has four children with a fifth on the way. In the future, it wouldn’t be far-fetched for him to join the Dodgers’ front office in a full-time role or as a special advisor; it’s simply that now is not the right time to do so.

The Dodgers and Blue Jays treated fans all across the globe to an instant classic during Game 7 of the 2025 World Series. In a game that could’ve gone either way, Betts, Ohtani, and company snatched the hearts out of the sold-out crowd at Rogers Centre.

Securing the franchise’s second championship in as many seasons— and third in six years— Betts and the Dodgers are cementing the cornerstones to the newest dynasty in MLB history. The game-winning, series-clinching moment came down to Betts, who pulled off the double-play to crush the Blue Jays’ hopes. After the game, Betts voiced an honest confession as he capped off his fourth World Series championship.

“When I saw the ball coming my way, I kind of got excited. I’ve never been in that situation. I just wanted to be the guy with the ball, and I was,” Betts admitted on making the final out of the World Series, via NBC Los Angeles.

Winning from East to West

Betts conquered his first World Series ring with the Boston Red Sox in 2018, when he became the first player in AL history to hoist the World Series, a Gold Glove award, a Silver Slugger award and the AL MVP in the same season.

Betts switched addresses to the West Coast ahead of the 2020 MLB season. Ever since, Betts has been nothing but a natural winner for the franchise in Elysian Park. However, it wasn’t until Ohtani arrived fresh off the neighboring Angels in December 2023, that the new connection in the City of Angels took over the MLB.

With back-to-back World Series, the Dodgers have now put the MLB on dynasty watch. Los Angeles is the first franchise to win in consecutive seasons since the New York Yankees did so in 1998, 1999, and 2000. With their eyes fixed on the upcoming campaign, the Dodgers will be looking to complete the league’s first three-peat in 25 years. It hasn’t happened since the organization in The Bronx accomplished it in the start of the century.

Mookie Betts, Dodgers’ perennial star, felt the weight of the team’s offensive slump. The 2018 AL MVP and his fellow top hitters—Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman Jr.—were unable to generate traction, combining for just 0-for-11 with six strikeouts.

The Dodgers’ scoring woes continued a trend that began after their epic 18-inning win in Game 3. Since then, Los Angeles had been outscored 12-3 in the next two games, highlighting the magnitude of its struggles.

Despite the difficulty at the plate, Betts approached the challenge with candor. “I don’t want to speak on anybody else. But for me personally, I’ve just been terrible,” he admitted via FOX “I wish it was from lack of effort. I really do, but it’s not, so I don’t have any answers.”

Can the Dodgers’ offense regain form before it’s too late?

The Dodgers’ hitters will need to regroup quickly if they hope to extend the series. In Game 5, Blake Snell struggled on the mound, allowing five runs over 6.2 innings, while the offense could not mount a response. The lack of production from their lineup left Los Angeles trailing late in the contest, forcing the team to confront its inconsistencies and reliance on its stars.

What’s next for the Dodgers?

With the series still alive, Los Angeles plans to send Yoshinobu Yamamoto to the mound in Game 6 on Friday. The right-hander dazzled in Game 2, throwing a complete game while allowing just one run and striking out 12 Blue Jays batters.

The question now is whether the Dodgers’ lineup can support him this time. After consecutive games of limited production, the team’s postseason hopes hinge on Yamamoto’s arm and a sudden awakening at the plate. Game 6 could define its title defense.

Following their emphatic series victory over the Yankees this past weekend, the Dodgers are cementing their trajectory towards the playoffs, as they aim to defend their title. As they prepare to face the New York Mets on Monday, the squad is in high spirits. Their resolve is epitomized by one of their star players, who appears ready to tackle the challenges ahead after a brief setback last week.

Right fielder Mookie Betts is inching closer to rejoining the roster at full strength. Encouraging signs from his recent workouts suggest a positive recovery, as McKain noted. “Mookie Betts is still day-to-day. He came out of his workout well. He didn’t experience any pain while hitting today,” McKain shared on his social media platform, X.

The Dodgers recognize Betts as a pivotal figure in their championship aspirations and are wisely prioritizing his health. They are proceeding with caution regarding his return, as evidenced by the measured steps Betts is taking to ensure a successful comeback. This patient approach highlights the team’s commitment to achieving their season goals without compromising player wellbeing.

Betts’ impact on the Dodgers this season

Mookie Betts has been a pivotal figure for the Los Angeles Dodgers, although his current season performance hasn’t quite reached the heights of previous years. Despite missing the last four games, Betts still made a substantial contribution, bolstering the team’s push towards victory.

• Current statistics:
  • Games Played (GP): 53
  • Batting Average (AVG): .254
  • Home Runs (HR): 8
  • Runs Batted In (RBI): 31
  • On-Base Percentage (OBP): .338
  • Slugging Percentage (SLG): .405
  • On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS): .743
  • Stolen Bases (SB): 5
  • Runs (R): 42
  • Hits (H): 52

Betts’ potential replacement against the Mets

With Betts still on the mend, he will sit out the opening game of the series against the New York Mets on Monday. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has reportedly named a replacement, ensuring the team remains competitive in Betts’ absence.

Hyeseong Kim is reportedly set to start at shortstop in the matchup against the Mets. He presents an exciting opportunity to observe a player the fans regard with high expectations. Kim will aim to maintain the formidable form the Dodgers have exhibited in recent games of the regular season.

The Diamondbacks overwhelmed the Dodgers’ pitching early, jumping out to a commanding 7-0 lead by the third inning. Mookie Betts offered a brief spark with a home run that momentarily lifted the crowd, but as the deficit widened, frustration boiled over and boos began to fill the stadium.

In the aftermath of the loss, manager Dave Roberts did not shy away from pointing to the early-inning issues that continue to haunt his club. “It’s hard to start games behind before you take an at-bat,” Roberts told Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times. “We’ve given up runs in the first inning. We got to put up that zero and kind of get a chance to get the game going.”

Injuries test Dodgers’ depth on the mound

The Dodgers’ recent slump has highlighted the fragility of their pitching staff. With Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell sidelined due to injuries, Los Angeles has turned to inexperienced arms to fill the void. Jack Dreyer gave up three runs in the opening frame, and Landon Knack allowed a pair of two-run homers in a rough third inning that all but decided the game.

Mookie Betts, one of the team’s veteran leaders, acknowledged the growing adversity. “You go through certain situations like this,” he said. “It’s just tough to find a way to get back healthy and get our guys back out there. But we’re battling with what we got.”

Dodgers turn to Yamamoto to stop the bleeding

With tension rising and patience thinning, Yoshinobu Yamamoto will take the mound Tuesday night in hopes of halting the skid. The Dodgers, still firmly in the mix atop the National League, are aware that slumps happen.

But with high expectations from the front office and fanbase alike, the urgency to respond has never been clearer. Whether this is a temporary stumble or the beginning of deeper issues will depend on how quickly Dodgers can stabilize its rotation—and its confidence

Ohtani is part of a trio of Most Valuable Players (MVPs) in the Dodgers’ lineup, alongside Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, both of whom are also batting in the .250 range. While Ohtani’s slump has been the most noticeable among the three, teammate Betts expressed confidence that the reigning NL MVP will soon overcome this rough stretch.

“He’s human,” Betts said meaningfully after Wednesday’s game. The veteran outfielder added optimistically, “I think we’re all so accustomed to him never doing anything bad. Tomorrow, he can hit four homers. He’s one of those people that may go through a stretch, but we’ve all seen the other side of it.“ Betts’ faith in Ohtani’s ability to bounce back underscores the team’s continued belief in the Japanese star’s immense talent.

Manager Roberts suggests excessive aggression at the plate

Following Wednesday’s 7-6 loss to the Chicago Cubs, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts suggested that Ohtani might be pressing too much at the plate. Roberts specifically referenced Ohtani’s at-bat in the sixth inning, with runners in scoring position and two outs.

“He had a fastball to hit and just got too big with the swing. Where all you need is a base hit right there,” Roberts explained. “I think a little bit this series, and even that last game in Texas when he came back, there was a little over-aggressiveness. The swing is a little bit longer than it typically is. I don’t know if he’s trying to do something, trying too hard. There’s a couple walks in there. But there’s other times where he’s getting himself out instead of taking a walk if given to him.”

What lies ahead for Ohtani?

Ohtani is currently preparing for his long-awaited debut as a pitcher and two-way player with the Dodgers. Off the field, he recently celebrated the birth of his daughter alongside his wife, Mamiko. As Betts wisely noted, Ohtani is, after all, human—and this early-season stretch could simply represent an adjustment period for the Dodgers’ new centerpiece. Given his track record, it is only a matter of time before Ohtani reasserts his full impact on the diamond.

Like any team, the Dodgers are experiencing a tough stretch on their road to the playoffs. With plenty of games still to play, the Dodgers’ fanbase is eager to see the team that claimed last year’s World Series title. As the new additions continue to settle in, they are working to gel with head coach Dave Roberts’ game plan.

One player still finding his footing is Roki Sasaki, who is adjusting to the MLB after coming from Japan, a nation renowned for its baseball culture. Sasaki hasn’t yet delivered a standout performance, and fans are holding out hope for his breakthrough.

Amid the 2-4 stretch over the last two weeks, Betts addressed the team’s struggles with a clear message for both fans and the broader MLB community. “I think it’s just a bumpy two weeks,” Betts said. “We’ve got a long season ahead, and a lot can happen.”

He added: “This isn’t the first time we’ve struggled for two weeks. It just happens to be happening right now. If we panic, things get worse. If we don’t panic, it looks like we don’t care. So, what are we supposed to do?”

Betts’ performance this season

While the Dodgers have faced challenges in the latter part of the current season, Betts has remained one of the team’s consistent contributors. Though his performance hasn’t been standout, his numbers are still a key part of the team’s overall stats, and he’ll be looking to regain his best form moving forward.

Here’s a look at his stats so far this season:

• Games Played (G): 14
• At-Bats (AB): 52
• Batting Average (AVG): .288
• Home Runs (HR): 3
• Runs Batted In (RBI): 8
• Stolen Bases (SB): 1
• On-Base Percentage (OBP): .383
• Slugging Percentage (SLG): .481
• OPS: .864

What’s next for the Dodgers?

The Dodgers have performed well overall in the regular season, and the upcoming series present an opportunity to regain momentum and rebuild confidence within the roster.

Here are the upcoming matchups for the Dodgers:

• vs. Rockies
  • April 14 @ Dodger Stadium
  • April 15 @ Dodger Stadium
  • April 16 @ Dodger Stadium
• vs. Rangers
  • April 18 @ Globe Life Field
  • April 19 @ Globe Life Field
  • April 20 @ Globe Life Field

According to Roberts, Betts participated in a full workout routine on March 24, a positive sign of his readiness. More importantly, the manager revealed that Betts was finally able to keep solid food down after battling a stomach issue.

Just a day earlier, Betts himself revealed that he had lost nearly 10 pounds due to the illness, which had prevented him from eating normally for almost a week as his body rejected most food.

Betts faces a critical test on March 25 during the Dodgers’ final spring game to determine whether he will be ready for March 27, when the team plays its third regular-season game against the same opponent.

Who would replace Mookie Betts if unavailable?

If Betts is unable to play, Miguel Rojas is expected to step in, as he already has experience covering Betts’ position during his recovery from a hand fracture. Rojas is well-acquainted with the Dodgers’ system and has the versatility to adapt seamlessly.

With three seasons under his belt with the Dodgers, Rojas is no stranger to the team. He filled in for Betts during the Tokyo Series, appearing in both games with eight plate appearances. Last MLB season, Rojas totaled 337 plate appearances, producing 41 runs, 87 hits, and six home runs.

Betts revealed that he has been unwell since attempting to play in the Tokyo Series, after which he returned to Los Angeles to speed up his recovery. He stated, “So looks like I’m just going to be light for a little bit. Maybe I play uphill a little bit for the beginning of the season.”

The condition has taken a toll on his health, causing him to lose weight. Betts reported that he is down to 157 pounds, significantly below his usual playing weight of 175 pounds during the MLB season. He expressed his frustration, saying, “But I just want to play, man. I’m tired of sitting, tired of just throwing up, tired of doing all this. I just really just want to play.”

Despite the challenges, Betts clarified that no specific condition has been diagnosed yet. He added that his inability to retain food has been particularly frustrating, an issue that reportedly began just days before the Dodgers started the Tokyo Series.

What the Dodgers Stand to Lose Without Betts in 2025

The Dodgers would be losing one of their best players if Betts were unable to play. Last season, he recorded 75 runs and 130 hits in just 116 games with 516 plate appearances—his second shortest season, behind only the 55 games he played in 2020.

According to Baseball Reference, Betts’ 2025 projections remain promising. He is expected to contribute at least 84 runs, 129 hits, and 24 home runs across 527 plate appearances, playing a crucial role in helping the Dodgers defend their World Series title.

Speaking to the Orange County Register ahead of Opening Day in Tokyo, Roberts explained that Mookie Betts wouldn’t be available for the game against the Cubs. “He’s been really sick, lost some weight, so we were trying to get him hydrated,” Roberts said, confirming earlier reports.

Betts was reportedly battling flu-like symptoms prior to the team’s departure for Tokyo. Unfortunately, his condition worsened during the long flight, ruling him out for both games against the Cubs.

He also missed the exhibition matches against the Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers. To expedite his recovery, the Dodgers have decided to send Betts back to Los Angeles with hopes that he will be ready for the second series of the MLB regular season, set to take place at home against the Tigers.

Will the Dodgers struggle without Betts in their season opener?

During spring training, Betts had limited opportunities but managed 29 plate appearances, one home run, and three RBIs. His projections for the 2025 season include over 520 plate appearances, 129 hits, and at least 84 runs. Without Betts in the lineup, the Dodgers lose one of their top hitters but will need to rely on their depth to fill the gap.

Dodgers vs Cubs H2H

In recent matchups, the Dodgers and Cubs last faced off in Los Angeles during the 2024 season. The Dodgers lost that series 1-2, securing a 10-8 win in the opening game before dropping the last two contests 3-6 and 4-10. Notably, the last series the Dodgers won against the Cubs was at Wrigley Field in 2023.