Betts expects to return to MVP form after 2025 struggles
Mookie Betts wants to leave 2025 in the past, and he's confident he can return to his MVP form during the upcoming season for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
"That's what I expect," Betts said of bouncing back to MVP-level play.
Dave Roberts said he expects a bounce-back MVP season from Mookie 👀
— SleeperDodgers (@SleeperDodgers) March 1, 2026
Mookie Betts didn’t hesitate when asked about it:
“That’s what I expect. I haven’t felt like this in a long time… swing’s in a really good spot, head’s in a really good spot. I haven’t had any bad days in the… pic.twitter.com/B448E22s47
Last season, the 33-year-old posted career-worst numbers in several categories, including slugging percentage and OPS. He entered August hitting .237/.309/.365 and didn't hit a homer between July 6 and Aug. 8.
"That's the first time I think any of us have seen him struggle like that," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, according to The Athletic's Katie Woo.
Multiple factors contributed to the 2018 AL MVP's down year, including transitioning to shortstop full time and losing almost 20 pounds near the beginning of the season due to a virus. He showed improvement later in the campaign, posting an .899 OPS with 23 RBIs in his final 24 games. The Dodgers went on to win their second consecutive World Series.
The eight-time All-Star said his struggles eventually helped him improve his mindset, and he's looking forward to seeing the results of his simplified and more relaxed approach to preparing for the season.
"I haven't felt this way in a long time," Betts said.
"So the way I feel now - I'm healthy, swing is in a really good spot, head is in a really good spot. I haven't had any bad days in the cage. Haven't had any bad days in BP. Usually by now, I would have taken a thousand swings trying to fix stuff and get game-ready. Now I'm just cruising - cruising and ready to go."